In the construction of bridges or buildings, particularly when there are floors or girders that will include steel beams and concrete slab combinations, shear studs are an essential component of the design.
When looking at shear connector studs, it can be difficult to understand the importance of these small metal studs in the safety and longevity of the bridge or building. However, these relatively small components of the construction project provide safety and durability in the design by preventing shear forces from causing the two different materials from shifting, bending or twisting.
The Forces in Action
The biggest role of shear studs in bridges, as well as concrete and steel buildings, is to prevent the shear force between the two different materials. This the longitudinal shear force is essential to understand and to account for in the design and structural details.
Without the use of shear connectors that bonded or attached the two different materials, there would be a natural bending of the materials in the middle or between supports. This bending can occur because the two materials (the concrete and the steel beam in this example) would be able to slip over and under each other, allowing for the formation of the concave shape over time.
When shear studs are used to affix the two materials together, this longitudinal shear force or slipping cannot occur. The result is a stronger overall bridge deck or building floor or ceiling where there is no movement as separate layers in the construction.
Rows Matter
Using the shear connectors in rows, either single rows, double rows or other types of repeating patterns is essential to develop this strength. In addition, the pattern typically changes in density of studs with more studs used close to the supports as this is where the shear force will be greater.
