Demountable Shear Connector in Steel–Concrete Composite Floors: A State-of-the-Art Review

The shift from linear business practices, which involve single-use production and disposal of components, to circular business practices, emphasizing component reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling, has gained traction. While circular practices align well with structural steel, they pose challenges in steel–concrete composite structures. Recycling becomes more complex, and reuse potential is compromised, leading to increased carbon emissions during the recycling process. In traditional steel–concrete composite structures, the deck sheet is connected to the beam using shear studs, and together with the concrete slab, they form an embedded system. This approach allows for partial component reuse, while major components are sent for recycling, resulting in higher carbon emissions. To address this issue, a solution involves connecting the deck sheet and beam with demountable shear connectors, enabling the removal of the deck slab without damage. This system facilitates easy dismantling and reassembly, adapting to different purposes and locations. Shear connectors with deconstruction capabilities are essential for sustainable steel–concrete composite constructions. Numerous researchers have explored beam-to-slab connectors, including bolted connections, dry board systems, and self-tapping screws. The composite action between the deck slab and beam in these monolithic shear connections relies on the shear capacity of the connectors, which can be determined through push-out tests based on their size and grade.