Shear stud connectors in composite decking – Artech’s 5 best practices

Use of shear stud connectors in composite decking is an art as well as a science. The design strength of composite structures depends on the how shear studs in the structure behave. In structure such as composite bridges, studs play a significant role in ensuring a good quality and durability in the construction. In composite bridges, stud welding on the top flange of steel girders helps ensure composite action between slab and the girders. This in turn improves the stiffness and strength of composite bridge structure. In a construction that uses studs on steel composite, the geometry of steel metal deck might reduce the strength of the shear studs on metal deck. Composite decks display a better resistance to bending, and thus allow much flexibility in floor spans. Shear stud connectors on metal decks are a vital part of such decking, and play a significant role in ensuring a good quality and durability in the construction.

Shear studs and composite decking

When designing steel frames in composite decking, designers rely on a concrete cone of failure around the shear stud connector and spacing of the shear studs on beams in accordance with the design rules. The amount of force that will be transferred by each of the shear studs on steel beam is calculated. This calculation then decides how many shear studs will be needed for the construction. Along with design and strength specifications, the spacing of shear studs on beams is also based on stringent rules and calculations. Considerable engineering skill is poured into deciding the placement and spacing of stud connectors.

Shear stud connectors advantages in composite decking

At Artech, many of such best practices to get the most out of shear stud connectors have been integrated into the company’s DNA. These practices span across a wide array of construction elements ranging from the type of studs to surfaces to which the studs would be welded.

Here are five best practices recommended by Artech that could get you the best performance from shear studs in composite decking:

• While using solid studs in composite deck slabs, the resistance of solid studs might need to be reduced, considering decking geometry and/or orientation.
• The concrete cover to the top of the stud should be a minimum of 15 mm.
• If the stud needs protection from corrosion, the concrete cover should be increased to 20mm.
• Try to avoid welding to galvanized surfaces
• During installation, after welding, the length of the stud should be at least 35mm above the top of the main rib of the deck profile.

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