This paper examines the reliability of welded stud shear connectors for steel-concrete composite bridge girders.
A finite element model of a simply-supported bridge was created featuring link connector elements representing the shear studs. The study considered the probabilistic characteristics of the welded studs and truck loading. The example bridge was designed according to the CSA S6 code provisions. Based on the presented reliability analysis, an increase in the 24 MPa endurance limit of at least 1.45 times is found to be acceptable.
