Crestbond shear connector for load transfer on concrete filled composite columns in fire

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical study of the Crestbond shear connector, characterized by a steel plate with regular cuttings, when used as a load transfer element in concrete filled composite columns in fire. The developed numerical model was calibrated with experimental results of composite columns in fire and later the load transfer devices were inserted. Numerical analyzes were performed with the software Abaqus and comprised the variation of the composite column diameter and of the loading levels, as well as the comparison with the results obtained when is used a through steel plate without cuttings (Shear Flat) as a load transfer device. With the analyzes performed, it was observed that the Crestbond shear connector and the Shear Flat present very similar thermomechanical performance in relation to the load transfer capacity. Thus, the Crestbond shear connector has the potential to be applied alternatively to the Shear Flat as a load transfer device in concrete filled composite columns, with the advantage of the possibility of associate use of longitudinal and manly transverse reinforcement.