Investigation of U-bar joints between precast bridge decks loaded in combined bending and shear

Abstract

This study proposes two types of U-bar joints: rectangular joints with stainless steel ties and T-shaped joints. The mechanical properties of four joint specimens subjected to combined bending and shear forces were studied experimentally and numerically. The T-shaped joint details effectively increased the cracking load and controlled the development of interface cracks. The bearing capacity of the four joint details were similar. Furthermore, a formula to estimate the bearing capacities of the T-shaped U-bar lap joint specimen is proposed, and its accuracy is verified.