•The damage of stud has a greater influence on fatigue performances compared to static properties.•Compared with the stud damage, the concrete crack has less influence on the fatigue performance.•The existing calculation methods of residual slip are not completely applicable to the test results. As a key component in composite beams, the studs are prone to fatigue failure under reciprocating load. Fatigue problem is more prominent especially under circumstances of concrete cracking, stud corrosion or with initial damage. Therefore, static and fatigue tests are carried out to study the fatigue properties of push-out specimens with initial defects, including stud damage and concrete cracking. The test results show that the damage of stud has a great influence on fatigue life, while the crack of concrete has a little influence on fatigue life. The damage of stud has a greater influence on fatigue performances compared to static properties. In addition, based on the dissipative energy theory and experimental phenomenon, the roles of stud and concrete in the process of stud fatigue failure and their interaction are summarized. The dissipative energy mainly includes the shear plastic strain energy of the stud, the plastic strain energy of concrete under compression after the stud, and the heat energy generated by the friction between the stud and concrete.