Construction Joints Research Articles

Construction joints in substandard beam–column connections subjected to cyclic loading

Construction joints in columns are inevitable in multi-storey reinforced-concrete structures. However, little research on assessing the performance of beam–column connections with construction joints in columns has been reported. The work reported in this paper was an attempt towards evaluating the performance of substandard beam–column connections with a construction joint in the column. Six beam–column joint test specimens, with and without a construction joint in the column, were prepared using mild steel rebars and were subjected to cyclic loading. The test results showed that the presence of the construction joint in the column had little influence on the cyclic performance of the test specimens. Instead, the specimens failed due to inadequate detailing of the beam–column connections.

Retrofitting ancient timber glulam mortise & tenon construction joints through computer-aided laser cutting

This study is aimed to rationalise and demonstrate the efficacy of utilising laser cutting technique in the fabrication of glulam mortise & tenon joints in timber frame. Trial-and-error experiments aided by laser cutter were conducted to produce 3D timber mortise & tenon joints models. The two main instruments used were 3D modelling software and the laser cutter TH 1390/6090. Plywood was chosen because it could produce smooth and accurate cut edges whereby the surface could remain crack-free, and it could increase stability due to its laminated nature. Google SketchUp was used for modelling and Laser CAD v7.52 was used to transfer the 3D models to the laser cutter because it is compatible with AI, BMP, PLT, DXF and DST templates. Four models were designed and fabricated in which the trial-and-error experiments proved laser cutting could speed up the manufacturing process with superb quality and high uniformity. Precision laser cutting supports easy automation, produces small heat-affected zone, minimises deformity, relatively quiet and produces low amount of waste. The LaserCAD could not process 3D images directly but needed 2D images to be transferred, so layering and unfolding works were therefore needed. This study revealed a significant potential of rapid manufacturability of mortise & tenon joints with high-quality and high-uniformity through computer-aided laser cutting technique for wide applications in the built environment.

Drivers for international construction joint ventures adoption: a systematic literature review

Recognizing that there exist discrete sets of factors driving the adoption of international construction joint ventures (ICJVs) for different countries, organizations, and stakeholders, this study aims to identify the driving factors, and integrate them into a classification framework for better understanding. The Virtual Libraries (VLs) of respective journals were accessed directly to retrieve the related papers for the study. Popular search engines such as Google Scholar, the Web of Science, and Engineering Village were also used to complement the search process. From the review, universal drivers that promote the adoption of ICJV have been identified for policymakers and stakeholders’ realization. The UK, Australia, Singapore, Turkey, and China have been the top countries noted for pioneering ICJV drivers’ research. While the bulk of studies has come from developed countries, developing countries have also made a significant contribution. A conceptual framework has been developed to guide, determine, and assess the success of ICJVs based on 47 identified drivers. The framework consists of five major constructs of ICJV drivers: legal and market-driven drivers, strategic vision drivers, organizational and personal goal drivers, relationship building and operational success drivers, and capacity building drivers. These drivers act as a blueprint for the parties to the venture and could be used to determine the success and failure dynamics of ICJVs. The developed framework serves as a guide for all industry practitioners and decision-makers interested in adopting an ICJV. Further, it can facilitate the development of appropriate and effective policies by government agencies to promote the adoption of ICJVs. Moreover, the checklist and framework provide a strong foundation for researchers to conduct a further empirical investigation on the topic.

Experimental Investigation of Effect of Steel Fiber on Concrete Construction Joints of Prism

Joints in construction are finishing casting points in the placing of a concrete process, and these are needed in various constructions because it is impossible to install concrete in an individual connected procedure. The quantity of mixture that can be installed at a whole time is administered by the batching and mixing ability and by the strength of the formwork. A qualified joint in construction must afford sufficient continuity in shear and flexural completed the interface. In this investigation, the influence of position and character of joints in construction on the achievement of concrete components is laboratory examined with the impact of steel fiber. Prism with dimensions of (100*100*400mm) was used. The factors examined are the position of the joints in construction (at mid-span or at the third point of the prism), construction joints type (horizontal, inclined, and vertical joints).

Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Beam-Column Connection with Interface Elements under Cyclic Loading

To study the nonlinear response of corner beam-column junctions with inclusion of the effect of construction joint between the column and the beam cast at different times and subjected to cyclic and repeated loads, a computer program of three dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis, written by Al-Shaarbaf[1], (P3DNFEA)has been extended to account for the effect of construction joints on the behavior and to deal with concrete behavior under cyclic loads.The 20-node isoperimetric brick elements have been used to model the concrete, while the reinforcing bars are modeled as axial members embedded within the brick elements. A nonlinear cyclic behavior model for concrete is developed in uniaxial and multiaxial states of stress. Also, a nonlinear cyclic behavior model for reinforcing bars is presented.In completion, the behavior of concrete under cyclic loads is simulated by an elasto-plastic work hardening model followed by a perfectly plastic response. In tension, affixed smeared crack modeled has been used to simulate the behavior of concrete with a tension-stiffening model to represent the retained post-cracking tensile stresses in concrete. Closing and reopening of cracks during cyclic loading has been taken into consideration.The nonlinear equations of equilibrium have been saved using an incremental-iterative technique based on the modified Newton-Raphson method. The convergence of the solution was controlled by a force convergence criterion. The numerical integration has been conducted by using 27-point Gaussian rule.To represent the shear transfer between two concretes cast at different times, 20-noded interface layer brick elements are used with Fronteddu’s and Millard’s models to represent the aggregate interlock and the dowel stiffness, respectively.Comparison between the results obtained from the finite elements and the available experimental results is made for a corner beam-column junction with inclusion of the effect of a construction joint. Good agreement is obtained. The maximum difference in ultimate load is 3.9%.A parametric study dealing with construction joint is presented by taking various conditions of the junction. These include the axial load on the column, strength of concrete in the second cast.

Study on multi-arch tunnel leakage disease with influence of rainfall and groundwater change

It is known that the tunnel leakage is significantly affected by precipitation, for example the seasonal rainfall and the groundwater level change, which reduce the effective stress and the shear strength of the surrounding rocks, resulting in surrounding rock fracture and the connection of crack path between surrounding rock and lining structure. This paper reveals the relationships between the tunnel leakage with the lining crack width, the surface seepage, and the construction joints. Then the calculation equations of leakage water are deduced. According to the deduced equations, the influence of rainfall and groundwater level on leakage of the multi-arch tunnel is analysed. It is concluded that the leakage water increases with the rise of ground water level, decreases with the increase of the thickness of the lining; and the spot leakage and the surface leakage both increase as the increasing of the crack width and the seepage radius. On the basis of the conclusions, the preventions and treatment measures of leakage caused by rainfall and groundwater level change are put forward to ensure the long-term safe operation of the multi-arch tunnel.

Knowledge Creation: A Case Study of International Construction Joint Venture Projects in Thailand

Knowledge Creation: A Case Study of International Construction Joint Venture Projects in Thailand

Study on Reasonable Combination of Retaining Structure and Main Structure for Tunnel Shaft in the Offshore Environment

Through the investigation, the design of the combination of the retaining structure and the main structure of the large-diameter shield shaft was summarized. Combined with the characteristics of the offshore shaft, considering the difficulty in implementing underwater pouring of high-grade underground diaphragm wall, through reasonably analyzing the characteristics of chloride environmental corrosion, a reasonable solution of supporting the temporary diaphragm wall to participate in anti-floating action is proposed. For the strictness of crack control in the chloride environment, it is proposed to use the frame beam as the purlins in the excavation stage, and the waterproof problem of the construction joint is better solved. Finally, the three-dimensional calculation results confirm the stress of lining wall is reasonable.

Empirical Study on the Obstacles to the Success of Joint Ventures in Construction Projects

As an effective way of completing technically complex buildings or large‐scale infrastructure projects, a joint venture contracting approach has recently been widely used in the construction industry. However, numerous unfavorable results can occur in practice when undertaking construction joint ventures (CJVs). The contribution of this paper is its exploration of the potential obstacles to CJV practices and identification of the root causes of failure. First, through a literature review, semistructured interviews, and a questionnaire survey, seventeen variables were identified; the top three obstacle variables were (1) inconsistent management styles, (2) incompatible organizational cultures, and (3) organizational policy differences. Second, four grouped factors were extracted: (1) unfair and noneffective management; (2) lack of communication, understanding, and mutual trust; (3) policy, management style, and organizational cultural differences; and (4) potential conflicts beyond the CJV partnership. Finally, several strategies were proposed. The research findings could not only contribute to knowledge of CJVs but also provide valuable insights into promoting broader, better applications of CJV projects and contributing to their success.

ВЛИЯНИЕ БАЗАЛЬТОКОМПОЗИТНОЙ ПРЕДВАРИТЕЛЬНО НАПРЯЖЕННОЙ АРМАТУРЫ НА РАБОТУ МАЛОАРМИРОВАННЫХ ЖЕЛЕЗОБЕТОННЫХ КОНСТРУКЦИЙ С МЕЖБЛОЧНЫМИ СТРОИТЕЛЬНЫМИ ШВАМИ

It is proposed to use prestressed basalt composite reinforcement to strengthen reinforced concrete structures of hydraulic structures. In order to substantiate technical reinforcement of reinforced concrete structures of hydraulic structures with prestressed basalt composite inforcement, experimental studies were carried out. For experimental studies, reinforced concrete beam-type structures with vertical interblock construction joints were adopted.The results of experimental studies of reinforced concrete models of beam type with interblock joints reinforced with prestressed basalt composite reinforcement by the method of tension “on concrete”are presented. The models are tested for bending moment and transverse force. A special character of cracking is noted; full restoration of the bearing capacity of reinforced concrete structures, weakened by interblock construction joints, was recorded due to the reinforcement of prestressed basalt composite reinforcement.

Limit analysis of reinforced concrete slabs with construction joints

Reinforced concrete slabs constructed of precast elements and in situ concrete are commonly used for short-span road bridges. The construction joints between the concrete cast at different stages reduce the torsional capacity and thus the load-carrying capacity of the slab. However, the present formulations for the torsional capacity, based on limit analysis, only consider monolithically cast slabs. In this paper, the load-carrying capacity of reinforced concrete slab bridges with construction joints are investigated using limit analysis of perfect plastic materials based on the lower bound theorem. New formulations for the torsional capacity of slabs with vertical construction joints and partial construction joints are presented. The load-carrying capacity of slabs is calculated using finite element limit analysis based on the lower bound theorem. For the analysis, a complete yield criteria for the bending moments and torsional moments are setup applying a layer model. The size of the layers is calculated from the moment capacities and the derived torsional capacities. Examples of limit analysis of slabs with and without construction joints are compared, which demonstrate the reduction due to the construction joints.

Punchout evaluations and classification of continuously reinforced concrete pavement to improve pavement design

In continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) research, it has been assumed that transverse crack spacing plays an important role in determining CRCP behaviour and performance. For the longitudinal reinforcement design, the 1993 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Design Guide recommends a minimum crack spacing of 3.5 ft. The minimum spacing of 3.5 ft is recommended to minimise the occurrence of punchouts. This concept of narrow crack spacing being more prone to punchout has been accepted. Hence, all the available CRCP design algorithms are based on this concept. However, since treated base/non-erodible base is now provided in CRCP, this theory has some discrepancies with the real CRCP performance especially in Texas. In this study, an extensive field evaluation was conducted for the number of punchouts recorded in TxDOT pavement management information system (PMIS). Out of 1472 punchouts, 232 punchouts that developed in major metropolitan Districts in TxDOT were surveyed and evaluated to determine whether punchouts have a relationship with closely spaced transverse cracks and the resulting load transfer efficiency (LTE). Field survey and testing results show that the majority of distresses in CRCP have been caused by quality issues of either materials or construction in the vicinity of transverse construction joint and repair joint.

Effect of construction joints on the seismic performance of RC structural walls

A survey of earthquake damage in reinforced concrete (RC) structural walls after the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake in China showed unexpected phenomena at the location of a construction joint at the base of the wall, suggesting that the construction joint has an impact on the seismic performance. In this study, the test of six medium-scale RC wall specimens (height-to-length aspect ratio 2.1) with and without construction joints at the footing-wall interface were implemented under the pseudo-static reversed cyclic lateral loading, and the failure process, hysteretic response, and energy dissipation capacity were investigated. It showed that wall specimens without a construction joint exhibited better seismic performance than comparable specimens with a construction joint, mainly reflected by a higher lateral load capacity, better energy dissipation capacity, and longer plastic hinge length. A numerical model was developed using the multiple-vertical-line-element-model (MVLEM) to simulate the response of RC walls with construction joints, and walls with different axial load ratios and boundary element reinforcement ratios were studied. Results indicated that the presence of a construction joint reduces the lateral load capacity of RC wall. The influence of construction joint on the lateral load capacity is more obvious when the boundary element reinforcement ratio and axial load ratio are both low. These results show that the presence of construction joints should be considered to accurately predict the response of RC walls subjected to seismic loading conditions.

Performance evaluation of cashew nutshell ash as a binder in concrete production

The agro-industrial sector annually produces large volumes of waste by-products which as a result of the ignorance of their values as well as their ineffective management, pose environmental, societal and economic threats. Thus, this study explored the ash from cashew nutshell waste and replaced it with Portland limestone cement (PLC) at 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% using a mix design ratio of grade 25 MPa concrete (M 25). The cashew nutshell was sun-dried for 14 days and then burnt in a gas furnace at a temperature of 750 °C for 5 h to obtain cashew nutshell ash (CNSA). The chemical and physical properties of the CNSA were examined while the workability of the fresh concrete was investigated. Moreover, the mechanical and durability properties of the hardened concrete were carried out while the microstructures of the concrete samples were analyzed. The experimental findings revealed that CNSA met the requirements for use as a pozzolanic material. The slump and the compacting factor increased with increasing CNSA content. Moreover, both compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strengths of the hardened concrete increased as the content of CNSA increased but optimum at 15% replacement level. Furthermore, the CNSA concrete resisted more sulfate attack than the Portland cement concrete (control). The micromorphological analysis exhibited a reticular structure and adequate filling ability with the incorporation of CNSA content in the mix. Hence, it is recommended that CNSA can be incorporated as a construction material in the concrete production at the optimum replacement with PLC at 15% for structural application and 20% for non-load bearing application. This study is advantageous because fresh concrete would remain workable for longer periods, thus, resulting in the reduction of construction joints. Moreover, the utilization of CNSA concrete is also beneficial in an environment with high sulfate content. Finally, the developed model equations from this study can be used in the development of mix design of blended concrete as well as a better refinement of existing procedure of concrete mix design provided the chemical composition of the materials is established.

Corrosion damage to cantilever MR walls – Representation in tests and calculations

AbstractAfter the failure of a cantilever retaining wall with counterfort on the Brenner Autobahn, intensive investigation of existing structures showed considerable corrosion damage to cantilever walls with and without counterforts, at the location of construction and day joints. This is difficult to detect and assess due to the placing of the main reinforcement at the back of the construction. The present paper presents a monitoring concept, which enables detection of corrosion damage and also provides a gain of information about the behaviour of the structure. The basis for this concept is the installation of inclination and strain gauges on the front of a retaining wall. In order to explain the functioning of the concept, a rudimentary cantilever model of the effect of corrosion damage is first described. Then the results and findings from a test series with artificial corrosion representation to reinforced concrete structures to validate the presented monitoring concept is described.

Assessment of curing schemes for effectively controlling thermal behavior of mass concrete foundation at early ages

Since the size of foundation increases to support the enormous superstructure, the massive foundation generates the problematic temperature development. This study addresses the use of horizontal construction joint referred to as “layered system” as a curing scheme for alleviating the thermal behavior of foundation. To compare the thermal performance of the layered system, the current curing schemes (e.g., insulation system, post-cooling) also simulated by using the validated finite element model. In the study, the layered system could be the recommended curing method in the foundation element to produce significant savings in time, effort, and cost on an actual construction project.

Automated planning of concrete joint layouts with 4D-BIM

Abstract Concrete pouring represents a major critical path activity that is often affected by design limitations, structural considerations and on-site operational constraints. As such, meticulous planning is required to ensure that both the aesthetic and structural integrity of joints between cast in-situ components is achieved. Failure to adequately plan concrete pouring could lead to structural defects, construction rework or structural instability, all having major financial implications. Given the inherent complexity of large-scale construction projects, the ‘manual planning’ of concrete pouring is a challenging task and prone to human errors. Against this backdrop, this study developed 4D Building Information Management (BIM) approach to facilitate automated concrete joint positioning solution (as a proof of concept) for design professionals and contractors. The study first developed structural model in Revit, then extracted spatial information regarding all construction joints and linked them to dynamic Microsoft (MS) Excel and Matlab spreadsheets using integration facilitated by Dynamo software. Midspan points of each beam as well as floor perimeter information were gathered via codes developed in MS Excel macros. Based on the Excel outputs, Matlab programming was used to determine best concreating starting points and directions, and daily allowed concrete volume, considering limitations due to cold joints. These information were then pushed back to Revit via Dynamo in order to develop daily concrete scheduling. The developed automated programme framework offers a cost-effective and accurate methodology to address the limitations and inefficiencies of traditional methods of designing construction joints and planning pours. This framework extends the body of knowledge by introducing innovative solutions to integrate structural design considerations, constructional procedures and operational aspects for mitigating human error, and providing a novel, yet technically sound, basis for further application of BIM in structural engineering.

Experimental investigation on the freeze–thaw durability of concrete under compressive load and with joints

This study was to experimentally investigate effects of compressive stress and construction joints on freeze–thaw durability of concrete. Accelerated freeze–thaw tests were conducted on monolithic specimens and specimens with different types of construction joints (i.e., normal wet joints, roughened wet joints, epoxied joints, and dry joints), at different compressive stress levels. The results showed that compressive stress not exceeding 0.5fck could improve the freeze–thaw durability of concrete, while the higher stress of 0.5fck led to more durability degradation than the normal stress of 0.3fck. And different types of construction joints also considerably influenced the freeze–thaw resistance of concrete.

Design of reinforced concrete slabs subject to the construction joints

Introduction. When erecting monolithic reinforced concrete floor slabs, a necessity of construction joints arises. The construction joints are the areas of structural weakening. The construction practice shows that the compliance with the correct technology of the construction joint arrangement is not a sufficient condition to ensure the strength balance of reinforced concrete floor slabs. As a result, the stress-deformation state calculated on the assumption of the concrete slab solidity deviates from the actual state. The relevance of the task is determined by the fact that the conformity of design and actual characteristics of the in-situ reinforced concrete structures as a whole depends on the correct calculations of construction joints.
 Materials and methods. The problem of implementing the construction joints in the monolithic floor slabs was considered by way of example of a residential building under construction. In the course of construction, pre-construction land surveys were carried out at the areas of the construction joint arrangement. Calculations of reinforced concrete structures using finite element method (FEM) were also performed.
 Results. As a result of the study, the actual deflections of the floor slabs were measured at the areas of the construction joints and FEM calculations were made on the same floor slabs, both those erected at once and those erected in stages subject to the construction joints. The difference between the calculated and actual deflections is conditioned upon the inaccurate conformity between the mathematical model and the real reinforced concrete structure, its erection and maintenance conditions. It should be noted that the deflection of horizontal reinforced concrete structures is only one of the stress-deformation state parameters that can be measured better than the others. It is shown that if the deflection of a real reinforced concrete structure does not correspond with the design estimation, the other stress-deformation state parameters will differ from the design estimation as well.
 Conclusions. The influence of joints can be taken into account in the scope of FEM computer-aided calculations with the explicit reproduction of the structure erection by pouring concrete, using engineering approach to the consideration of nonlinearity on the basis of the introducing reduction coefficients to the reinforced concrete effective modulus of elasticity. Solid composition modeling of reinforced concrete provides the best possibilities on taking all sorts of nonlinearity manifestations into consideration.

Review of Concepts and Trends in International Construction Joint Ventures Research

AbstractThe adoption of international construction joint ventures (ICJVs) of late for more complex and large-scale construction projects across the globe has drawn an increasing broad range of rese...