Abstract
This paper investigates the structural performance and reuse potential of shield anchor bolts as mechanical shear connectors in steel‐timber floors. A series of monotonic and cyclic push‐out tests, using a proposed reuse testing protocol, were conducted on cross‐laminated timber panels and steel sections connected by 10 mm and 12 mm diameter connectors. The results show that shield anchor bolts provide adequate stiffness, strength and deformation capacity, superior to other dry shear connection systems, largely due to the sleeve. Cyclic testing confirmed that connection stiffness increases with each cycle, following a logarithmic trend, and that the stiffness measured after reassembly was approximately 31% higher than that from the initial loading cycle. The reassembly peak load was within ranges similar to those of the monotonic benchmark tests. The results indicate that the shield anchor bolts exhibit superior reusability, with minimal damage to the connection components compared to other practical systems. A modified separation damage index was developed to quantify the circularity of these shear connectors. The findings suggest that dry, mechanically fastened shear connections, such as those using shield anchors, are suitable for reuse applications.