Fatigue Strength of Shear Connectors

An experimental investigation was undertaken at Lehigh University to determine the fatigue strength of shear connectors for steel and concrete composite beams . Factorial experiments were designed to provide information regarding the effect of stress range and minimum stress level on the cycle life. Included are f.atigue tests of 35 push-out specimens having the concrete slab connected to the steel beam section by t-i-in. stud connectors, 9 fatigue tests of push-out specimens using 1/o-in . stud connectors and 12 fatigue tests of push-out specimens using 4-in., 5. 4lb channel connectors. The test data are described by mathematical equations which express the fatigue life as a function of the stress range. Based on the reported fatigue tests and previous static and fatigue studies , a design criteria is proposed for the shear connectors of composite beams.