Uso de hormigones con fibras de ultra-alta resistencia para el desarrollo de conexiones entre elementos prefabricados

Abstract

The performance suitability of precast concrete structures is determined by the design and construction of connections between elements. In spite of its simplicity, the use of bond connections through bar reinforcement splices is limited by issues related to long splice lengths required and reinforcement congestion. Reinforcement splices embedded in Ultra High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) were tested in beam specimens, as part of an on-going investigation to develop a novel typology of beam-column connection between precast elements using UHPFRC. Elements made up of two precast elements joined through reinforcement splices in a central region poured with UHPFRC, and without using closed stirrups or vertical ties were tested in beam tests. The experimental results for splice lengths between 10 db and 20 db exhibited an adequate performance to connections undergoing load and unload cycles, being this an unfavourable condition for bond capacity, and using short covers and transversal spacing between splices, under 0.7 db. It is therefore clear that the higher tensile capacity and ductility of UHPFRC have a positive effect on confinement, bond conditions and force transference as well as a stiffness effect.