Abstract:To build up a method for calculating the shear capacity of large-diameter stud connector used in high strength concrete for bridge structures. A comparative study was made of 26 groups consisting of 71 stud connector models to explore the influence of different parameters such as the concrete compressive strength, the stud diameter, the stud tensile strength and the stud length on the shear capacity of stud connectors. Formulas to calculate the shear capacity of stud connector were proposed based on the worldwide 255 test results. The results show that the shear capacity of stud connector in high strength concrete is still based on the composite behavior of the stud and the concrete. Besides, the proposed formulas are more reasonable and safe in predicting the shear capacity of stud connector in a commonly used concrete which ranges from C35 to C60. These formulas are suitable for the analysis of stud connector with diameters of 9 mm to 30 mm and length of 50 mm to 400 mm as well as the ratio of stud length and diameter over 4, used in concrete with cubic compressive strength from 15.0 MPa to 80.0 MPa.