EXISTING RULES AND NEW TESTS FOR STUD SHEAR CONNECTORS IN TROUGHS OF PROFILED SHEETING.

Results of 269 push tests were considered in a study of existing design rules for the static shear resistance of stud connectors in profiled steel sheeting. These rules are shown to be of limited scope and low accuracy, especially for studs placed off-centre in the steel troughs. Results are reported of 34 new push tests, designed to fill gaps in the test data. Seven distinct modes of failure were found, to which the existing rules do not relate clearly. Theoretical models, calibrations, and new design rules for these modes are given in an accompanying paper.