EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON SHEAR BEHAVIOR OF PBL JOINT CONNECTIONS FOR UFC-PC HYBRID GIRDER

Abstract

The experimental results and predictive equation for shear capacity of Perfobond strip (PBL) joint con- nection with cast-in-place UFC to develop UFC-PC hybrid girders are presented in this paper. The UFC- PC bridge consists of PC segment at both ends and UFC segment at the middle of the span. Push-out test of twelve specimens was conducted. The experimental parameters were thickness of PBL, diameter of the hole of PBL, diameter of transverse rebar, prestressing stress on connection part, and the ratio of spacing to diameter of PBL. The experimental results indicated that PBL with cast-in-place UFC connection was sufficient to transfer the shear forces between the two segments. The contributions to shear capacity in each term were clarified. In addition, the shear resisting mechanisms were investigated. By inducing pre- stressing stress on the connection part, the shear capacity drastically increased due to the friction re- sistance. Finally, the shear capacity equation for PBL with cast-in-place UFC connection was proposed. The proposed calculation method can provide a reasonable agreement with the experimental results.