Perforated FRP shear connector for the FRP-concrete composite bridge deck

Abstract

In recent years, the FRP-concrete composite bridge deck system has been introduced because of its light-weight and durability. The FRP-concrete composite bridge deck is composed of FRP module and concrete, and they are connected with shear connectors. In order to insure the composite action between FRP module and concrete, appropriate types of shear connector need to be installed. In this study, new type of FRP shear connector was suggested and the experimental investigations are conducted based on the studies of Perfobond. In the experimental study, the push-out test was conducted and the load carrying mechanism was analyzed including the friction effect of sand coating. Considering the load carrying mechanism of perforated shear connector under shear force, the empirical equation for the prediction of shear strength of perforated FRP shear connector was suggested.