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AWS D1.1 · Type B

Shear connectors
Nelson Stud type

Welded elements that create the mechanical connection between steel sections and concrete to transfer shear forces in composite systems.

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Steel–concrete system
Shear connectors welded onto steel beams beneath a concrete slab with metal deck

Main application

Composite beams and slabs

65 ksi

Technical reference

The function is defined by the complete system.

The connector, its weld, the section, the deck and the concrete must all match the project detail and procedure.

01
Classification
Type B

Structural connector in accordance with the reference given in AWS D1.1.

02
Minimum tensile
65 ksi

Approximately 450 MPa, according to the product technical guide.

03
Minimum yield
51 ksi

Approximately 350 MPa for the low-carbon steel indicated.

04
Function
Shear transfer

Ties the steel section to the concrete slab and limits relative slip.

Composite action

Shear force crosses a properly connected interface.

The stud head develops anchorage inside the concrete while the welded end ties the connector to the steel element.

Close-up of stud-type shear connectors welded directly onto the top flange of a steel beam
Weld bead on the beam
  1. 01

    Steel section

    Receives the connector in the position set out in the structural drawing.

  2. 02

    Stud welding

    Ties the shank to the section through a qualified stud welding procedure.

  3. 03

    Deck and reinforcement

    Deck geometry and reinforcement govern the layout and installation.

  4. 04

    Concrete slab

    Encases the connector head and completes the transfer mechanism.

Applications

Where steel and concrete must work together.

01

Composite beams and slabs

They connect the steel section to the slab so that both elements work as a single composite structural system.

02

Bridges and platforms

Used in steel–concrete configurations where the project requires controlled transfer of shear forces.

03

Embedded plates and anchors

They can also form part of anchoring details and embedded elements defined by the project engineering.

Project criteria

Engineering and the installation procedure govern how the connector is defined.

  1. 01

    Diameter and length

    Confirm diameter, length before welding and the required finished height according to the structural detail.

  2. 02

    Base configuration

    Review section thickness and geometry, the presence of metal deck and the position of each connector.

  3. 03

    Welding procedure

    Installation must follow the procedure, equipment, ferrule and qualification defined for the application.

  4. 04

    Inspection of the assembly

    The project must set out weld controls, layout, quantity and the applicable acceptance criteria.

Technical support

Need to review Nelson Stud connectors for a composite structure?

Share diameter, length, quantity, structural drawing, section, deck and the intended procedure. Our technical team will review the requirement.