Effect of dowel shear connector on performance of slim-floor composite shear beams

© 2020 This paper presents the numerical modelling and analysis of slim-floor composite beam systems using different shear connector arrangements. A finite element model was developed and validated through comparing the prediction with the results obtained from the experimental study. A parametric study was conducted to examine the effect of typical parameters of shear connectors, including the diameter of the concrete dowel cylinder, incorporating dowel reinforcement and concrete strength, etc. The comparison and analysis further clarified the concrete dowel, mechanism and development of shear resistance and overall load-bearing capacity. The findings based on the numerical simulation provide a deeper insight into the behaviour of this type of slim-floor composite beam system. Through both experimental and numerical studies, the structural merits of this composite beam system were highlighted.