The Mechanical Behavior of Grouted Sleeve Splice Connections with and without Mechanical Interlocking Ring Under Axial Tensile Load

Abstract

This research work thus presents rational procedure to design a grouted sleeve splice connection using a basic material such as standard pipes with little workmanship this provides the design with a good advantage in comparison to just using selection tables for costly proprietary similar connection. The mechanical behavior of such splices is a function of two important mechanisms: the bar-to-grout bond behavior and the sleeve-to-grout bond behavior. To accomplish the goal of this examination work, three arrangements with an all-out number of 66 grouted splice sleeve specimens were fabricated and tested under incremental axial tensile load. The specimens were preliminary designed according to the equations available in the literature to determine the initial sleeve dimensions. Different parameters have been examined, namely: grout compressive strength, bar embedded length, bar diameter, sleeve inner diameter, sleeve wall thickness and sleeve configuration. The examined parameters provide to have a significant impact on the mechanical behavior of the grouted splices. Considering the results, it was clear that steel bars with 18 mm, 25 mm and 32 mm diameter and 044 Mpa yield stress can be adequately spliced and the tensile strength can be reached. The steel sleeve to the grouted splice sleeve connectors significantly improve the bar-to-grout bond strength through the confinement action added by the sleeve wall. Also welding interlocking steel rings can prevent the grout-to-sleeve bond Failure. Feasibility study for tested grouted sleeves reporting their adequacy in accordance with the code provisions of ACI 318-14[1] and ECP 203-2018[5] is presented. Moreover, design equations capturing the parameters affecting the bond strength, the confining pressure, and the required embedment length are derived.