Design Methodology of U-Shaped Infilled Composite Beams with Angled Shear Connectors Using Finite Element Analysis

A composite beam is a structural member that behaves as a single unit by using shear connectors between a concrete slab and an I-shaped steel girder. The composite ratio is crucial and is determined by the shear connectors’ ability to withstand the horizontal shear forces between the concrete and steel girder. In this study, a U-shaped composite beam was designed, which differs from conventional composite beams as it allows the use of a steel girder as a formwork. Moreover, angle-type shear connectors, instead of stud-type connectors, were employed. Based on this design, large-scale U-shaped composite beams with angle-type shear connectors were fabricated, and load tests were conducted to analyze the behavior after composite action and the influence of shear connector spacing. Additionally, the strength of the angle-type shear connectors used in this paper was evaluated through finite element analysis. Finally, a strength evaluation method for composite beams of this configuration is proposed.