The construction of Cooper River Bridge is used as an example to illustrate the use of headed shear connector studs, the stud welding equipment and drawn-arc process in relation to the various designs and practices currently being used in composite construction of bridges. Full depth prefabricated precast deck panels with rebar loops are interlocked with studs and comply with seismic design specifications. Topics include anchoring precast bridge deck panels using shear connectors, panel designs, welding beams on barges, surface preparation, weld inspection, accessories, layout, and procedures. This paper serves as a practical guide and reference source of welding shear connector studs in construction of steel bridges, and the use of shear connectors to connect steel beams to factory produced precast concrete deck slabs with rebar loops.
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http://www.aisc.org/WorkArea/showcontent.aspx?id=22626