Numerical modeling of inverted-U-shaped connectors to enhance the performance of composite beams

Steel and concrete are the most essential and frequently encountered building materials. These materials are used in combined structural systems, such as concrete cores surrounded by steel pipes, as well as composite structures with steel and concrete components. In numerous countries, the combination of concrete cores, steel frames, and composite slab construction has become the typical construction approach for multistory commercial buildings. The shear stud connector is one of the elements used in the construction of composite sections. The use of inverted-U-shaped reinforcement experimentally and numerically significantly improves punching shear resistance for post-tensioned slabs compared with slabs that use stud connectors. Other experimental and numerical studies using inverted-U-shaped reinforcement in post-tensioned beams indicate an enhancement in their shear strength. Recently, an experimental investigation was performed on composite beams to inspect the effect of mild and rigid shear stud connectors. The experimental and numerical results for the composite beams showed good correlation. The goal of this study was to numerically model the capacity and deformation of composite beams with inverted-U-shaped connectors of varying configuration and mechanical properties and compare the beam performance with composite beams using shear stud connectors.