Shear transfer mechanisms in composite columns: an experimental study

In the design of concrete filled composite columns, it is assumed that the load transfer between the steel tube and concrete core has to be achieved by the natural bond. However, it is important to investigate the mechanisms of shear transfer due to the possibility of steel-concrete interface separation. This paper deals with the contribution of headed stud bolt shear connectors and angles to improve the shear resistance of the steel-concrete interface using push-out tests. In order to determine the influence of the shear connectors, altogether three specimens of concrete filled composite column were tested: one without mechanical shear connectors, one with four stud bolt shear connectors and one with four angles. The experimental results showed the mechanisms of shear transfer and also the contribution of the angles and stud bolts to the shear resistance and the force transfer capacity.