Complete Stud Welding

Headed Shear Connectors

Headed Shear Connectors are welded fasteners used to create composite action between structural steel and concrete slabs. Installed using the ARC stud welding process, they transfer horizontal shear forces across the steel-to-concrete interface, allowing both materials to act together under load.

Used in composite floor systems, bridge decks, parking structures, and steel-framed buildings, headed stud shear connectors feature a forged head for concrete embedment and load transfer. Manufactured from low-carbon steel and installed with matching ferrules, they are designed for structural applications requiring reliable shear performance.

  • Composite Steel-to-Concrete Connection
  • Forged Head Load Retention Design
  • AWS Structural Welding Compliance
  • Full Fusion ARC Weld Installation

Product Overview

Headed Shear Connectors are welded fasteners used to create composite action between structural steel and concrete slabs. Installed using the ARC stud welding process, they transfer horizontal shear forces across the steel-to-concrete interface, allowing both materials to act together under load.

Used in composite floor systems, bridge decks, parking structures, and steel-framed buildings, headed stud shear connectors feature a forged head for concrete embedment and load transfer. Manufactured from low-carbon steel and installed with matching ferrules, they are designed for structural applications requiring reliable shear performance.

Headed Shear Connectors Specifications

Product Type: Headed Shear Connector
Material: Low Carbon Steel
Welding Process: ARC Stud Welding
Application: Composite Construction
Installation Method: Ferrule Shielded Welding
Standards: AWS D1.1
Common Use: Steel Deck & Structural Members
Head Design: Integral Forged Head
Connection Type: Composite Shear Transfer
Base Configuration: Full Base Weld Design
Manufacturing: Cold-Formed Stud Construction
Installation Equipment: ARC Stud Welding Equipment

Headed Shear Connector Features

Headed shear connectors are engineered to transfer longitudinal shear forces between structural steel and concrete. Their geometry, material composition, and weld configuration are designed specifically for composite construction systems requiring predictable load distribution and structural interaction.

Composite Action Development

The embedded portion of the connector engages the surrounding concrete, while the weld base secures the stud to the steel member. This configuration enables force transfer between dissimilar structural materials under service loading conditions.

Integral Head Retention Design

The forged head increases resistance to separation forces within the concrete section. This geometry contributes to connector anchorage after concrete placement and curing.

Full Base Weld Interface

The connector diameter and weld base are designed to create a complete fusion weld during installation. This weld interface forms the primary load path between the steel substrate and the connector body.

Structural Shear Transfer Capability

Headed shear connectors are utilized where horizontal shear forces must be transferred across the steel-concrete boundary. Their design supports composite beam and deck construction applications requiring coordinated material performance.

Ferrule-Controlled Installation

Dedicated ferrules are used during welding to contain the molten weld metal and control weld profile formation. This process assists in producing repeatable weld geometry across large connector installations.

Compatibility With Structural Welding Systems

These connectors are designed for use with ARC stud welding equipment, including automated and semi-automated systems utilized in structural fabrication environments and field-installed composite construction projects.

Looking For The Right Shear Connector?

Get assistance selecting headed stud shear connectors for composite deck, beam, and structural steel applications. Our team can help identify the proper headed stud shear connectors for bridge, building, and composite deck applications.