Characterisation of demountable shear connector systems in composite beams

Reusable structures can contribute to a resource-efficient low-carbon future on the basis of the principles of the circular economy. This paper presents a comparison of different demountable shear connector systems that facilitate recyclability and reusability of steel-concrete composite structures with the performance of traditional ones. In the Laboratory of the ArcelorMittal Chair of Steel and Façade Engineering at the University of Luxembourg 15 push-out tests and 2 full-scale beam tests have been carried out using different bolted shear connection systems suitable for reuse after the end of life of the respective building. The analysed shear connector systems have been evaluated based on their resistance, slip capacity, stiffness, ductility and ease of fabrication, assembly and disassembly. The experimental work was supplemented by numerical simulations performed with the finite element software Abaqus®. The developed numerical models were validated against the experimental observations. The experimental and numerical results provide information for future design guidance concerning the use of demountable shear connectors in composite beams.