Make large construction projects call for a great deal of concrete with steel support and reinforcement. One of the most important components of any composite construction is the shear connector. In a few cases, they may be bolted to steel beams, and other systems like block and hoop or channel connectors may be used. However, the welded stud is the most common type of shear connection used today. Here are some of the many benefits it has to offer.
Preventing Sheer Flow
If you pour concrete on top of a reinforcement frame with steel beams, over time, the concrete and beams will bend. This is caused by a force known as shear flow. Shear force pushes one part of a structure or body in a specific direction and another part in another direction. This can be devastating to composite type structures.
By installing a series of reinforcements (like shear connector studs) in the beams, you increase the strength, stability, and stiffness of the entire composite construction. This prevents bending, and the studs can be used to transfer shear load. Shear load is a powerful force that can cause composite layers to slide apart and eventually fail.
The Importance of Using Welded Studs
By using welded studs all over the construction area, it places even forces that direct shear strength in every direction. This creates a strong and stable structure.
Setting up and installing welded shear connector studs is a simple process. It takes little training to learn how to use a stud gun and install the studs. The process is fast and can save companies a lot of time and labor costs. Every other kind of shear connections would be very costly, and by using welded studs, construction costs can be kept to a minimum with cheaper labor and faster completion times.