Experimental study on the joint bearing behavior of segmented tower structures subjected to normal and bending shear loads

Abstract

This article deals with the analysis and evaluation of the structural behavior of segmented tower constructions in large-scale experimental investigations. For this purpose, a tower model with dry horizontal joints on a scale of approximately 1:10 is constructed and loaded. The objective of these large-scale investigations is to determine the load-bearing behavior of concrete segment towers subjected to normal force (external prestressing), bending, shear force and torsion and to derive more efficient and realistic design models. The transfer of shear stresses between individual segments is ensured by frictional resistance in the horizontal joints due to prestressing. The current design models are based on plane flange surfaces at the top and bottom of the segments as well as their ideal circular ring shape. This assumes a constant normal stress distribution for the compression connection. Within the large-scale experimental tests, findings for uneven force distribution in the horizontal joints due to prestressing and shear bending were obtained, that have a significant impact on the design models. However, for the evaluation of the results and the projection onto the real construction components, the scale effects must be urgently taken into account.