Experimental Investigation of Corroded Stud Shear Connectors Subjected to Fatigue Loading

An experimental investigation on corroded composite push-out specimens was performed to investigate the behavior of stud shear connectors subjected to fatigue loading. A total of 14 standard push-out specimens were tested under static and fatigue loading. A static push-out test was performed to obtain the ultimate strengths for reference. The expected corrosion rate of test specimens ranged from 0 to 50%. The main purpose of these tests was to determine the fatigue life and the reduction effect of the fatigue life caused by the corrosion. The effect of corrosion on the fatigue crack, load-slip curves, and failure modes were also studied. The test results were also compared with current Eurocode design predictions, which are only for a specimen without corrosion. The suitability of the Eurocode design equation for fatigue life of corroded composite push-out specimens was evaluated. (C) 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.