Interface shear transfer in reinforced engineered cementitious composites under push-off loads

Abstract

Engineered cementitious composites (ECC) has been widely used for structural members and joints under various loading conditions. Nevertheless, the shear transfer mechanism at the interface of reinforced ECC needs further study due to the lack of experimental results. This paper investigates the interface shear transfer of reinforced ECC subjected to push-off loads. Experimental tests were carried out to quantify the shear resistance and to investigate the shear transfer mechanisms at different loading stages. The effects of ratio and type of stirrups were considered in the experimental programme. The peak and residual shear resistances of reinforced ECC were obtained and compared with the calculated values from existing design methods. The interface shear transfer mechanisms were determined by analysing the measured strains of stirrups and transverse dilatancy. A design equation was proposed based on experimental results. Finally, conclusions were drawn for the interface shear design of reinforced ECC.