In some instances, the on-site welding of thru-deck welded shear studs may not be practical (i.e. due to restricted access, fire hazard or galvanised beams). In these cases the beams should be designed as Non-Composite or, where a shear connection is essential, one alternative is the use of Hilti X-HVB Shear Connectors, fixed to the beam with shot-fired fixings (typically Hilti X-ENP 19 Shot Fired Nails) using a DX750 or DX76 cartridge tool (refer 6.7a and 6.7b).

The minimum steel thickness for the top flange of the beam should be 8mm when using X-ENP nails for fastening X-HVB connectors.

It should be noted that these Hilti X-HVB Connectors do not provide the same capacity as welded shear studs and where this alternative connector is specified, the structural steel designer shall advise the quantity and type required for the composite beam design.

For further information on Hilti X-HVB Shear Connectors contact Hilti (UK) Technical Support

Refer to:

Hilti Product Literature on X-HVB Shear Connectors for more information

Hilti provide an online software which allows you to run calculations on HVB's

Hilti Software Tutorial