Experimental investigation on mechanical performance of kerf anchorage of stone cladding considering construction defects

Abstract

Because of its good deformation performance, easy installation and replacement, the kerf anchorage technology is widely used in the stone cladding. The current reports of accidents related to the kerf anchorage of stone claddings are most often caused by construction defects. However, current studies on the impact of construction defects on the failure of kerf anchorage of stone claddings are still limited. In order to investigate the mechanical performance of kerf anchorage of stone cladding with construction defects, anchorage strength tests under monotonic load were conducted on seven groups of specimens based on ASTM C1354-15. The results indicate that, compared with the specimens without adhesive, the filling of adhesive in the slot directly affects the failure characteristics of kerf anchorage of stone cladding, and greatly enhances the ultimate load of anchorage systems. The failure modes of specimens with and without adhesive are flexural failure and punch-shear failure, respectively. The average ultimate load of specimens with epoxy resin and unsaturated polyester resin is increased by 321 % and 289 % compared to the specimens without adhesive. For the specimens with adhesive, the position deviation of the anchor, which is a common construction defect, can cause changes in the thickness of the adhesive between the loading surface of panel and the anchor. As the thickness of adhesive between the loading surface of panel and the anchor increases, the ultimate load of specimens with adhesive increase accordingly. Based on the strength criteria and mechanical analysis, a calculation model for predicting the ultimate load of kerfed stone cladding with slot adhesive is proposed.