Effect of High-Temperature Exposure on the Residual Capacity of Steel–Concrete Shear Connectors: Experimental Study

01.Dec.2025

​​Composite steel–concrete beams are widely used in flooring and decking systems in buildings and bridges due to their efficiency. High-temperature exposure is a major hazard that can affect the composite action of such beams and, hence, their capacity to carry loads. An experimental program is conducted to investigate the effect of heat exposure on the residual carrying capacity of different types of shear connectors. A total of 8 specimens made of different configurations of shear studs and shear angles were tested till failure at room temperature and after high-temperature exposure. An electric furnace is utilized to apply controlled high temperature around the specimens and then the residual capacity was evaluated using direct shear force through push-down tests. The experimental results showed consistently that high temperature reduces both stiffness and capacity of the shear connector. When compared to …