Effect of local small diameter stud connectors on behavior of partially encased composite beams

The paper combines two distinct parts. First the behavior of welded headed studs with small diameters of 10 and 13 mm acting as shear connectors (which are not embraced in current standards) is studied. Based on standard push tests the load-slip relationships and strengths are evaluated. While the current standard (Eurocode 4 and AISC) formulas used for such studs give reasonable but too conservative strengths, less conservative and full loadslip rigidities are evaluated and recommended for a subsequent investigation or design. In the second part of the paper the partially encased beams under bending are analyzed. Following former experiments showing rather indistinct role of studs used for shear connection in such beams their role is studied. Numerical model employing ANSYS software is presented and validated using former experimental data. Subsequent parametric studies investigate the longitudinal shear between steel and concrete parts of the beams with respect to friction at the steel and concrete interface and contribution of studs with small diameters required predominantly for assembly stages (concreting). Substantial influence of the friction and effect of concrete confinement was observed with rather less noticeable contribution of the studs. Distribution of the longitudinal shear and its sharing between friction and studs is presented with concluding remarks.