Experimental Study on Shear Behavior of a UHPC Connection Between Adjacent Precast Prestressed Concrete Voided Beams

Abstract

A partial-depth, diamond-shaped, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) connection with embedded transverse reinforcement between adjacent precast prestressed concrete voided beams (APPCVBs) has been developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to overcome the disadvantages of longitudinal cracks within the connections. In this study, the shear behavior of 14 spliced panel specimens with the FHWA developed UHPC connection will be experimentally investigated. One monolithic specimen will be tested as a reference. The test parameters include surface preparation, the compressive strength of the filling concrete, lateral reinforcement details, and the lateral reinforcement diameter. The shear behavior will be evaluated from cracking patterns, failure modes, load–deflection responses, and ultimate load capacity. Formulas will be derived based on the elastic beam theory coupled with the dowel effect of transverse reinforcement. The derived formulas could generally predict the shear strength of the spliced panel specimens with the FHWA developed UHPC connection.