For the design of shear connections with a full-depth precast slab, it is n
ecessary to investigate strength, stiffness, slip capacity and fatigue endu
rance. For these purposes, push-out tests were performed with variations of
the stud shank diameter and the compressive strength of the mortar. From t
he experimental work, it could be observed that the deformations of the stu
ds in a full-depth precast slab were greater than those in a cast-in-place
slab. The static strengths of the shear connections obtained agree approxim
ately with those evaluated from the tensile strength of the stud shear conn
ectors owing to the effect of the bedding layer. An empirical equation for
the initial shear stiffness of a shear connection is also proposed. On the
basis of the results of push-out tests, a full-scale composite beam with 8.
0 m span was designed and fatigue tests were carried out to study the behav
iour of the stud shear connection and its effects on the flexural behaviour
of the beam. The bonding and friction between the concrete slab and the st
eel beam considerably increased the fatigue endurance of the shear connecti
on. Discussions about design are also presented.