Interface shear connection analysis of ultrahigh-performance fiber-reinforced concrete composite girders

The purpose is to analyze the interface shear connection behavior for ultrahigh-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) and normal concrete (NC) composite girders. The shape and dimension of the shear stud in the conducted tests are referenced from the traditional interface connection design and engineering experiences. The interface shear connection parameters, i.e., initial stiffness and slippage capacity of a single shear stud, are measured from three groups of lateral direct push test specimens with different numbers of studs. Based on the UHPFRC tensile failure characteristics and cracked section rotational mechanisms of the UHPFRC-NC composite structures with flexural, or flexural and shear failure, the limit state is defined as a full pullout from the bottom fiber of the UHPFRC girders. Pseudostrain hardening behavior of the UHPFRC is simplified as an equivalent rectangular stress block. From this mechanism, the interface equilibrium equations are constituted and the interface shear connection degree of the UHPFRC-NC composite girders is derived. It is recommended that the interface shear connection degree may be used as minimum design standard for UHPFRC-NC composite interface shear connection design.