Characteristic analysis on the compression-bending capacity of segmental joint based on the investigated joint parameters

Abstract

The compression-bending capacity, also known as compressive membrane action, is an important mechanical property of segmental joints. However, owing to a lack of validated calculation methods and quantitative analysis of joint parameters, it has not been applied in the design of segmental joints. Thus, based on a method for calculating the compression-bending capacity of segmental joints proposed previously and joint parameters investigated from a number of practical engineering projects, the characteristic shapes and points of the compression-bending capacity curve are obtained, and the influence of joint parameters on the bearing capacity of segmental joints are quantitatively analyzed. The results show that the compression-bending capacity curve for a segmental joint is a parabolic curve, which can be divided into two parts (parts I and II), where the demarcation point between parts I and II represents that bolt yielding and concrete failure happen at the same time. There are five characteristic points on the curve, based on which four different stress states of the bolt are defined, different characteristic points have different sensitivity to the changes in the joint surface parameters, but the largest changes are all more than double. The influence of segment width and concrete strength on the compression-bending capacity of segmental joints is integral and varies widely, while the influence of the bolt parameters is mainly reflected in small changes at lower axial pressures. The results of this study can provide support and guidance for the design and bearing capacity evaluation of segmental joints.