Local behaviour of the connector with mechanical coupler and rebar anchor under tension load

Abstract

In the past few decades, demountable connectors have often been used for connections in composite and mixed steel-concrete structures to reduce construction time and costs. Furthermore, the application of demountable connectors enables the reuse of structural elements in these structures, which leads to sustainable design and a circular economy. In this paper, the demountable connector is made out of two parts: (1) mechanical coupler and rebar anchor placed in formwork before casting the concrete element, and (2) steel bolt used for connecting steel to the RC element. Although this connector is increasingly being used in contemporary building structures, its behaviour in composite connections is still insufficiently defined. The paper presents the results of experimental tests and numerical analysis of the connector with a mechanical coupler, focusing on the local behaviour of the tapered threaded connection between the mechanical coupler and rebar anchor.