The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of the 5/16 in. diameter Elco Grade 8 standoff screw as a mechanical shear connector in composite joists. Standoff screws are being investigated as an alternative to welded shear studs in short span composite joists. The data and results obtained from 106 pushout tests performed on the Elco Grade 8 standoff screw are presented. The test parameters include: standoff screw height, quantity of standoff screws per deck rib, standoff screw position, slab depth, base angle thickness, deck type, and amount of transverse reinforcement. The test results from this study are compared to those obtained in previous research performed by Hankins (1994), and the applicability of Hankins' predictive equation for the shear strength of the Elco Grade 8 standoff screw is investigated. The influences of various test parameters on the shear strength of the standoff screw are evaluated and the effects of grouping the standoff screws in the deck ribs are examined. The performance of the standoff screw in solid slab applications is also investigated. Predictive equations for the shear strength of the Elco Grade 8 standoff screw, based on screw-related failure modes, concrete rib failures, and longitudinal splitting of solid concrete slabs, are presented. / Master of Science

The purpose of this study is to further evaluate the performance of the 5/16 in. diameter Elco Grade 8 standoff screw as a mechanical shear connector in composite joists. Standoff screws are being investigated as viable an alternative to welded shear studs in short span composite joists. The data and results obtained from 59 pushout tests performed on the 5/16 in. diameter Elco Grade 8 standoff screw are presented. The test parameters investigated in this study include: standoff screw height, quantity of standoff screws per deck rib, standoff screw position, slab depth, base angle thickness, deck type, and amount of transverse reinforcement. Test results gathered in this study are used in conjunction with selected test data from research performed by Alander (1998). This combined test data is used in determining the validity of existing predictive equations for the shear strength of the 5/16 in. diameter Elco Grade 8 standoff screw. The influence of various independent variables on shear strength is investigated for all screw densities tested. The performance of the 5/16 in. diameter Elco Grade 8 standoff screw in solid slab applications is also investigated. Proposed predictive equations for the shear strength of the 5/16 in. diameter Elco Grade 8 standoff screw based on screw-related failure modes, concrete cone failures and longitudinal splitting, are presented. / Master of Science

The objective of the research reported herein is to present a comprehensive evaluation of all available experimental data from push-out tests utilizing the ELCO Grade 8 standoff screws. The goal is to develop a strength prediction equation and determine reliability parameters compatible with the Load Factor Resistance Design (LRFD) procedure that would allow the use of this shear connector in design of composite floor systems. The study considers results from push-out tests using this type of screw reported by Hankins et al. (1994), Alander et al. (1998), Webler et al. (2000), and Mujagic et al. (2000). Further, this study identifies the limitations in earlier approaches aimed at predicting the strength of standoff screws. An improved strength prediction model is developed that considers all applicable limit states and determines maximum strength of a connector. A reliability study was also conducted to derive strength reduction factors to be used in design. Parameters considered in the model include deck type and geometry, screw height, concrete compressive strength, top chord angle yield strength, and stand-off screw rupture strength. Results from strength prediction model were compared with results from composite joist tests. / Master of Science

This study consists of three self-standing parts, each dealing with a different aspect of design of composite steel-concrete flexural members. The first part deals with a new type of shear connection in composite joists. Composite steel-concrete flexural members have increasingly become popular in design and construction of floor systems, structural frames, and bridges. A particularly popular system features composite trusses (joists) that can span large lengths and provide empty web space for installation of typical utility conduits. One of the prominent problems with respect to composite joists has been the installation of welded shear connection due to demanding welding requirements and the need for significant welding equipment at the job site. This part of the study presents a new type of shear connection developed at Virginia Tech— standoff screws. Results of experimental and analytical research are presented, as well as the development of a recommended design methodology. The second part deals with reliability of composite beams. Constant research advances in the field of composite steel-concrete beam design have resulted in numerous enhancements and changes to the American design practice, embodied in the composite construction provisions of the AISC Specification (AISC 1999). Results of a comprehensive reliability study of composite beams are presented. The study considers specification changes since the original reliability study by Galambos et al. (1976), considers a larger database of experimental data, and analyses recent proposals for changes in design of shear connection. Comparison of three different design methods is presented based on a study of 15,064 composite beam cases. A method to consider effect of degree of shear connection on strength reduction factor is proposed. Finally, while basic analysis theories between the two are similar, requirements for determining the strength of composite beams in Eurocode 4 (CEN 1992) and 1999 AISC Specification (AISC 1999) differ in many respects. This is particularly true when considering the design of shear connections. This part of the dissertation explores those differences through a comparative step-by-step discussion of major design aspects, and accompanying numerical example. Several shortcomings of 1999 AISC Specification are identified and adjustments proposed. / Ph. D.