Mechanical Analysis of Grouted Sleeve Lapping Connector

Qiong Yu,Lingzhi Li,Jiaqiu Sun,Shaole Yu,Zhiyuan Xu,Zhi Zhang

doi:10.3390/app9224867

Abstract

Compared to grouted splice connectors that have been widely used in constructing precast concrete structures, grouted sleeve lapping connectors have the advantages of a large sleeve interior diameter and low manufacturing cost. In this study, 16 grouted sleeve lapping connectors and three grouted splice connectors were tested under an incremental tensile load. The differences in their tensile capacities and failure modes, especially the mechanical properties of the grouted sleeve lapping connectors, were investigated. It was found that the tensile capacities of the grouted sleeve lapping connectors were up to 2.45 times that of the grouted splice connectors when the sleeve inner surfaces were smooth. All of the grouted sleeve lapping connectors failed by a bar tensile fracture or bar-grout slip, whereas the only failure mode of the grouted splice connectors was grout-sleeve failure. The bond stress distribution around the inserted bar in the grouted sleeve lapping connector was similar to the bond stress distribution around a single bar anchored in concrete. The ultimate hoop compressive strain of the sleeve and the corresponding load increase with greater lap length. In addition, an approximate mechanical model with high reliability was put forward to describe the mechanical properties of the grouted sleeve lapping connector.

Highlights

Compared to cast-in-situ concrete structures, precast concrete structures have the advantages of design-build efficiency, aesthetical versatility, reduced costs, low maintenance, and superior resistance to disasters [1,2,3,4]
Experimental studies were performed on 16 grouted sleeve lapping connectors and three grouted splice connectors under tensile loading
2.45 times that of the grouted splice connector, which was explained in terms of the different load transfer mechanisms of the two connectors

Summary

Introduction

Compared to cast-in-situ concrete structures, precast concrete structures have the advantages of design-build efficiency, aesthetical versatility, reduced costs, low maintenance, and superior resistance to disasters [1,2,3,4]. Many long-standing issues of precast structures, such as the defects of the connectors between precast components, always cause difficulties in the construction procedure and safety hazard under service as well as disasters. These issues need comprehensive research, most of the existing investigations are related to cast-in-situ structures and the studies on precast structures, especially those that focus on the connectors of precast structures, which have yet to be sufficient. To guarantee the performance of precast concrete structures, the reinforcement bars in components of the structures need to be well spliced.

Methods

Results

Conclusion