Behaviour of headed stud shear connectors under low-cycle high amplitude displacements

Two series of pull-push specimens embodying headed stud shear connectors were built and tested as part of a general investigation on aseismic design of steel-concrete composite beams. Thereby, both the geometrical and mechanical characteristics of specimens are similar to those of steel-concrete composite substructures with full and partial shear connection. Specimens were endowed with different boundary conditions in order to assess the relevant effects on the response. Moreover, to characterise the specimens from a seismic standpoint, they were subjected to suites of monotonic, variable and constant amplitude displacements according to a cumulative damage test program. Main results are commented upon and assessed in terms of both yielding and maximum shear strength capacity as well as ultimate displacement ductility. Finally, a comparison between experimental and ideal loads derived by relevant codes provides an estimate of their accuracy.