Research on shear distribution of perfobond connector groups with rubber rings

This paper aims to verify the feasibility of rubber rings to mitigate the shear concentration in perfobond connector (PBL) groups. Firstly, modified push-out tests for five specimens with four holes were conducted to investigate the effects of rubber rings on the shear mechanism of PBL groups. The test results showed that by employing rubber rings on partial holes, more shear forces were distributed to the holes without rubber rings. The rubber rings significantly improved the slip ability of the specimens, and the ductility of PBL groups is dependent on the number and thickness of rubber rings. Subsequently, three-dimensional numerical models were established and validated by the experimental results. According to the plastic strain distribution in concrete dowels, the action principle of rubber rings in PBL groups was explained. Furthermore, the parametric study was conducted to investigate the influential factors on shear distributions, including the width of steel plates, the hole spacing, the number of holes, the rubber ring thickness, and the positions of rubber rings. The parametric analysis results showed that the redistribution of shear forces is significantly affected by the rubber rings with the smallest thickness. By properly employing rubber rings in PBL groups, the shear forces of holes are more even. Finally, an analytical model for PBL groups with rubber rings was proposed to predict the shear distribution at the serviceability stage.