Investigation of interface shear transfer in engineered cementitious composite members

Abstract

ABSTRACT Interface shear transfer (IST) is critical for achieving composite behavior at the connection between precast concrete girders and cast-in-place decks. In this study, an experimental program was conducted to evaluate the IST behavior when concrete members are constructed using engineered cementitious composites (ECC) compared to conventional concrete (NC). Variables considered in the experimental program included concrete type, interface roughness and interface reinforcement. The specimens, with the ECC-to-NC layer combination, roughened interface and no interface reinforcement, showed 50% and 90% of IST strength and stiffness, respectively, compared to those of conventional IST specimen with NC-to-NC layer combination, roughened interface and 2#3 interface reinforcement. Additionally, the conventional IST layer combination (NC-to-NC with two interface reinforcement and roughened interface) showed the same level of IST strength compared to the layer combination of ECC-to-NC with the same interface reinforcement and interface roughness.