Experimental Tests of Notched and Plate Connectors for LVL-Concrete Composite Beams

This paper reports the experimental results of symmetrical push-out tests performed on notched and toothed metal plate connectors for laminated veneer lumber (LVL)-concrete composite floor systems. The characteristic shear strength and slip moduli were evaluated for three types of connectors: (1) a 300-mm-long rectangular notch cut in the LVL joist and reinforced with a 16-mm-diameter lag screw; (2) a triangular notch reinforced with the same lag screw; and (3) two 333-mm-long toothed metal plates pressed in the lateral surface of two adjacent LVL joists. The shear force versus relative slip relationships are presented together with analytical prepeak and postpeak approximations which can be used to carry out nonlinear finite-element analyses of LVL-concrete composite beams. The failure mechanisms of the notched connections are also discussed. Analytical design formulas for shear-strength evaluation of notched connections derived in accordance with New Zealand Standards and Eurocodes are proposed based on four possible failure mechanisms. Good approximation was found if a slight modification of the Eurocodes formulas is introduced.