Lap-Spliced Rebar Connections with UHPC Closures
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 23, Issue 6
Abstract
Ultrahigh performance concrete (UHPC) is gaining attention from the bridge community as a compelling option for closure pours that complete prefabricated bridge element (PBE) connections; these connections typically use field-cast UHPC cast over noncontact lap-spliced reinforcing bars to achieve structural continuity between elements. The goal of this study was to investigate the behavior of different commercially available UHPC-class materials for prefabricated bridge deck connections using noncontact lap splices. Two types of experiments were conducted to assess performance: a direct tension pullout test and a component-level prefabricated-bridge-deck connection test. The objective of the pullout testing was to investigate the effect of the UHPC fiber-volume fraction on UHPC-to-rebar bond strength and compare the performances of different UHPC specimens with existing design guidance. Component-level testing was used to investigate the bond between the UHPC and precast concrete, cracking behavior under cyclic loading, behavior during long-term cyclic loading, and monotonic ultimate-loading behavior. Findings indicated that available design guidance held for different UHPC-class materials. Furthermore, test results were used to propose additional guidance related to the UHPC fiber-volume fraction and cover requirements.
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Acknowledgments
The research presented in this paper was funded by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. The publication of this paper does not necessarily indicate approval or endorsement of the findings, opinions, conclusions, or recommendations either inferred or specifically expressed herein by the Federal Highway Administration or the United States Government. This research could not have been completed without the dedicated support of the federal and contract staff associated with the FHWA Structural Concrete Research Program. Special thanks are given to Dr. Igor De la Varga, Dr. Jiqiu Yuan, and Dr. Rafic El-Helou for their contributions to this study.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 23 • Issue 6 • June 2018
Copyright
© 2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 27, 2017
Accepted: Dec 8, 2017
Published online: Mar 26, 2018
Published in print: Jun 1, 2018
Discussion open until: Aug 26, 2018
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