Investigation of interface shear transfer in engineered cementitious composite members

ABSTRACT

Interface shear transfer (IST) is critical for achieving composite behavior at the connection between precast concrete girders and cast-in-place decks. In this study, an experimental program was conducted to evaluate the IST behavior when concrete members are constructed using engineered cementitious composites (ECC) compared to conventional concrete (NC). Variables considered in the experimental program included concrete type, interface roughness and interface reinforcement. The specimens, with the ECC-to-NC layer combination, roughened interface and no interface reinforcement, showed 50% and 90% of IST strength and stiffness, respectively, compared to those of conventional IST specimen with NC-to-NC layer combination, roughened interface and 2#3 interface reinforcement. Additionally, the conventional IST layer combination (NC-to-NC with two interface reinforcement and roughened interface) showed the same level of IST strength compared to the layer combination of ECC-to-NC with the same interface reinforcement and interface roughness.

KEYWORDS:

• Bridge girder
• cast-in-place deck
• concrete connection
• fiber-reinforced concrete
• shear-friction

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Bradley University for providing the support to conduct the research study. Bradley University students Rizwan Ahmad, Gavin Menk, Anwar Anwar and Jesus Covarrubias are also acknowledged for their assistance with the experimental program.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notations

$\mathrm{\Delta }$	=	Interface deflection at IST capacity (interface slip), cm
$\mathit{K}$	=	Specimen stiffness, kN/cm
$V_{\mathit{test}}$	=	IST capacity, kN

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Bradley University.