Cracking behavior of segmented-casting joint in steel-UHPC composite bridge deck system

Experiment and numerical simulation

Journal article (2024)

Authors

Qingtian Su Tongji University
Wei Xie Tongji University
Zhanchong Shi Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Debao Chen Kyoto University
M.A.N. Hendriks Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Concrete Structures - CEG
Research Group
Concrete Structures (CEG) (TU Delft)
Cohesive zone model Cracking behavior Interface modelling Composite bridge deck UHPC joint
More Info
expand_more

Published Date

2024

Language

English

Reuse Rights

Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.

Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Department

Engineering Structures

Research Group

Concrete Structures

Abstract

The cracking of the pre-/post-casting UHPC joint in the steel-UHPC composite bridge deck system can lead to continuous tensile damage in the UHPC layer, reducing its ability to stiffen the steel deck. This study aims to clarify the cracking mechanism of the segmented-casting UHPC joint, and to provide design recommendations for cracking control. Axial tension tests on full-scale composite deck specimens were conducted, in which the influence of with and without joint, and varying reinforcement ratios on cracking response were identified. Moreover, the nonlinear numerical model for the composite deck, where the UHPC-UHPC interface was simulated in three methods, i.e. unbonded case, cohesive zone model (CZM), and perfectly bonded case, was developed and validated to simulate the crack initiation and propagation of the UHPC layer. Based on the validated numerical model incorporating CZM, improving the bond strength of CZM is more effective in controlling crack opening at the interface than increasing the failure displacement. Finally, optimized reinforcement arrangement and joint shape recommendations were provided to enhance construction convenience, minimize stress concentration, and limit crack opening.