Cyclic shear test and stiffness study of a cross-section-type shear connector connection

In a prefabricated concrete frame-eccentrically steel brace structure, a solid connection is needed between the shear link damper and the concrete member to ensure successful plasticity developments in the damper. A new cross-section-type (CST) shear connector connection has been proposed as the critical component of the assembly connection to improve shear resistance. Four cyclic shear tests were performed to investigate cyclic shearing performance and failure modes with different connector configurations. Failure modes, hysteretic shear strength developments, skeleton curves, and strain distributions at the CST shear connectors were analyzed. Parametric numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the extended influences of various design parameters on shear bearing performance. Nonlinear behaviors primarily begin with concrete cracking, and the failure of CST shear connectors mainly occurs due to concrete damage around CST shear connectors. Increasing concrete strength, connector number, and connector section dimensions can enhance shear stiffness and strength. However, the thickness of the connector endplate and the length of the connector have limited influence. A theoretical calculation method with clear physical meanings and comprehensive considerations for influencing factors was proposed for calculating the initial shear stiffness. The theoretical equation demonstrates high efficiency, with a maximum error of 7.69%. Finally, the design method of the proposed CST shear connector connection was proposed.