Experimental behavior of double-row Y-type perfobond rib shear connectors

Although existing studies have only analyzed Y-type perfobond rib shear connectors arranged in a single row, practical applications can apply numerous such connectors to beams with narrow spaces between them. The present study aimed to evaluate the structural behavior of double-row Y-type perfobond rib shear connectors, and thus describe grouped Y-type perfobond rib shear connectors. Push-out tests were conducted in accordance with Eurocode-4, and the relative slip, shear resistance, and ductility were measured. There were two primary variables (spacing and number of Y-type perfobond rib shear connectors) and three types of test specimens: single row, double rows (120 mm spacing), and double rows (300 mm spacing). The representative single-row specimen was used to validate the push-out test results by providing a comparison with previous tests, and provided a shear resistance reference value. The other two specimen types consisted of multiple Y-type perfobond rib shear connectors attached in parallel to an H-beam. Test results revealed that shear resistance increased as the number of shear connectors increased; however, the structural behavior depended on the shear connector spacing. The specimen with wider spacing demonstrated a better ultimate load and ductility relative to the specimen with narrower spacing. Wider shear connector spacing thus leads to better structural behavior retention.