Review of Current AASHTO Fatigue Design Specifications for Stud Shear Connectors

摘要

Fatigue design provisions for stud shear connectors in the current AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications are based on the research conducted in the mid 1960s by Slutter and Fisher, who tested 44 push-out specimens to determine the fatigue life of the shear connector. An analysis of test data produced by Slutter and Fisher and an examination of the current AASHTO design provisions in comparison with their European and Japanese counterparts suggest that the AASHTO may significantly underestimate the fatigue life of stud shear connectors, especially in the range of fatigue behavior where most bridges are designed. A design example is presented that demonstrates that the required number of studs according to the AASHTO can be more than twice the number required by other design codes in Europe and Japan. A possible reason for this discrepancy is discussed.