Evaluation of shear behavior of PCSC shear connection for the construction of composite bridges with prefabricated decks

•A novel precast concrete decks-steel beam-connection concrete (PCSC) connector is proposed.•A series of static push-out tests were performed to investigate the mechanical properties of PCSC connectors.•A finite element analysis was conducted understand the behavior of the PCSC connector.•A method for predicting the shear capacity of PCSC connectors was recommended.