• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.73-80
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• 2012

The adoption of a composite beam system is regarded as a simple but effective solution because it improves the overall stiffness, strength and stability of the structure by welding shear studs. However, welding shear studs poses problems including electric shock and weld defects. Mechanical methods have emerged as an alternative to metallurgical methods for connecting the H-beam and shear connector. Four specimens were tested in order to compare the structural behavior of the proposed composite beams with that of the classical composite beam given the condition of horizontal loading. With the original composite beam (FCB-SB specimen) using stud bolts, hysteresis loops are stable, but its strength decreased with the crashing of the concrete slab around the column. The suggested composite beams using shear connectors also yielded stable hysteresis loops. Consequently, use of the suggested composite beams instead of the original composite beam are recommended.