Assessing the Bearing Capacity of Crestbond Shear Connectors to Concrete Pry-out

Abstract In this work, a study on failure by concrete pry-out in Crestbond shear connectors is presented. The study’s aim was the development of an expression that estimates the connection’s bearing capacity. The analyses were carried out through numerical simulations designed to reproduce the referred failure mode. Numerical and experimental results are compared and discussed in relation to the maximum force reached and the cracking aspect typical of concrete pry-out. The proposed equation corresponded well to experimental results, with a mean ratio Ptheo/Pexp equal to 0,99 and a coefficient of variation of 10%. The results found in this study indicate that the concrete pry-out expression in German Technical Approval Z-26.4-56 can also be applied to Crestbond shear connectors.