Steel and composite beams have been extensively used in buildings and bridges. The component that assures the shear transfer between the steel profile and the concrete deck, enabling the composite action to develop, is the shear connector. Among the different types of connectors the headed studs, C sections and the Perfobond may be referred. An alternative connector has been proposed for composite structures, the T-Perfobond. The main difference between the studied Perfobond and T-Perfobond connectors is the presence of a flange, providing a further anchorage to the system. This connector combines the high strength of the block connector with ductility and resistance to uplift of the Perfobond holes. To evaluate their shear capacity an experimental programme that consisted of fifty-two push-out test and one full-size test, and some numerical analysis were performed. The push-out tests have established the maximum load capacity and deformation of the connectors. The full-size test has determined the composite beam load carrying capacity, typical failure modes, associated stresses and displacements, and has validated the behaviour of the T- Perfobond connector in an actual structure. The results indicated that the plastic distribution can be adopted for T- Perfobond connectors. The numerical analysis helped in the assessment of the deformation capacity of the T-Perfobond flange connector, and the investigation of the composite beam with total or partial connection. From the economic point of view, a comparative study of the cost of Perfobond, TPerfobond and Studs connectors was conducted and it was concluded that the Perfobond and T-Perfobond connectors lead to an economy of up to 33% when comparing to the Studs connectors. Among the structural and constructive advantages of the use of alternative types of connectors, an high resistance, easy manufacturing and installation of steel beam by current welding and good performance to fatigue may be referred.