Development of material to be used for bearing pad in precast concrete connections

Abstract

Bearing pads are used in precast concrete connections to provide a more uniform distribution of contact stresses over the bearing areas and to allow relative movements between precast concrete elements, in order to prevent cracking at the connection area. This paper presents the study of an alternative material made with styrenebutadiene latex modified on Portland cement mortar, polymeric fibres, and, eventually, lightweight aggregate (vermiculite). The developed material showed a good compression strength and low elasticity modulus. These characteristics make it suitable for use as bearing pads in precast concrete connections, such as beam-to-column connections or wall-to-wall connections. The paper shows the main characteristics of this material and the application and tests on: (a) beam-to-column connections and (b) samples that reproduce a wall-to-wall connection.