Numerical Study on Shear Behaviour of Angular Shaped Connectors in Composite Slabs with Steel Deck

In this research, angular shear connectors embedded in composite slabs with deck-type plate are studied using the finite element method and the ABAQUS software. Several models were created with this software to simulate specimens tested in previous research conducted at the Escuela Politécnica Nacional. These specimens underwent push-out tests in accordance with Eurocode 4. The numerical models consist of a composite slab with shear connectors oriented at 90° and 45° on the beam flange. The process of developing and calibrating the models is described, with emphasis on the main calibration parameters that enabled the attainment of results analogous to the experimental findings. The numerical results were compared with the experimental ones in terms of shear strength, connector displacement, and the failure mode observed in the experiments. Subsequently, a parametric study was conducted, varying the compressive strength of the concrete and the dimensions of the angle connector. This allowed the formulation of expressions that provide an approximate calculation of the shear strength in the orientation that offers the best strength and ductility to the specimen as a whole. This corresponds to the connector placed at 90° on the beam flange.