Flexural Behaviours of Box Segmental Beams with Internal Tendons Subjected to Repeated and Static Loads

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to gain a better understanding of the behaviours of different types of joints when box segmental beams are subjected to bending. Five beams with internal tendons were thus produced and tested: one beam was cast monolithically as a reference beam and four were formed as segmental beams. All beams were produced using Self Compacting-Concrete (SCC) in box sections. Each segmental beam was formed by assembling three precast concrete segments with four post tensioning tendons. The segmental beams had the same general characteristics, but with different types of joints between the segments. Four types of joints were adopted in this study;-dried, epoxied, dried strengthened with carbon fibres and multi-steel shear keyed joints. All beams were tested under two types of loadings, repeated and static. A test of repeated loading was carried out by exposing each specimen to three loading cycles. Each cycle was implemented by subjecting each specimen to up to 40% of the ultimate load then releasing the loads to return the specimen to the non-loading case. The test of static loading was carried out at the same rate of loading as the repeated load test, and all girder specimens were tested up to failure. The loads versus deflections at specified points were recorded for each 5 kN. Cracking, mode of failure and ultimate load values were recorded, along with the concrete surface strains at specified locations for both loadings. The tests results for repeated loading showed that joint type had a clear effect on behaviours in the segmental beams, which had deflection readings ranging from 16 to 61% higher than that of the monolithic (reference) beam, as well as higher tensile strain than seen in the reference beam, by 8 and 67%. Similar effects of joint type were observed under static test. At the first crack loading, the segmental beams had deflections of between 8 and 94% and tensile strains of about 5 to 18% more than the reference beam. The failure modes of the tested beams were all different. Failure of the dry joint occurred in the segment interface, while the failure of each epoxied joint and joint strengthened by carbon fibres developed in the concrete adjacent to the segment interface. The steel shear keys clearly transfer the shear resistance to the concrete parts adjacent of the joints.