Experimental evaluation of joints consisting of parallel perfobond ribs in steel-PSC hybrid beams

The objective of this paper is to estimate the structural capacity and application feasibility of joints with parallel perfobond ribs in steel-PSC (prestressed concrete) hybrid beams. In order to investigate the joints, two steel-PSC hybrid beams of 8 m length are fabricated, and experimental tests are performed. The hybrid beams consist of a steel beam in the center, PSC beams at both ends, and joints connecting the steel beam and the PSC beams. In the joints, perfobond ribs are used as shear connectors in place of studs which are generally used. The parallel perfobond ribs are attached to the steel plates horizontally and vertically to assess joint performance under both flexural moments and shear forces. The test results reveal that the failure of hybrid beams occurs at the PSC region near the interface between the PSC component and the joint. No joint failure is observed in the test beams up to the fracture load stage. In addition, the test beams show sufficient ductility by virtue of the arrangement of adequate reinforcements, even though perfobond ribs are considered to be stiff shear connectors. Therefore, it is concluded that the joint with parallel perfobond ribs is an applicable system to utilize in steel-PSC hybrid beams. In addition, the perfobond ribs can be an alternative to stud shear connectors in joints of hybrid beams.