Strength of headed stud shear connection in composite beams

The paper summarises the results of an extensive review of various push-out test series in order to determine the mean strength of headed stud shear connectors in solid slab applications. It also investigates the influence that different test set-ups can have on the connector strength. Based on the findings, an analysis of previous test series of stud shear connection incorporating trapezoidal steel decking is undertaken which indicates the unreliable and unconservative nature of the reduction factor approach