See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/262905857

Behavior of Dry Concrete Joints Strengthened By Carbon Fiber Laminates

Article  in  IABSE Symposium Report · January 2012

CITATIONS READS
0 230

3 authors:

Omar I. Abdelkarim Khaled hilal riad

Université de Sherbrooke Ain Shams University
38 PUBLICATIONS   331 CITATIONS    15 PUBLICATIONS   18 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Amr Abdelrahman
Ain Shams University
84 PUBLICATIONS   417 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Concrete Gravity Dams View project

USE OF ACM IN REHABILITATION PROJECTS IN EGYPT View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Omar I. Abdelkarim on 13 October 2014.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Global Thinking In Structural Engineering: Recent Achievements
IABSE CONFERENCE, SHARM EL SHEIKH 2012

Behavior of Dry Concrete Joints Strengthened By Carbon Fiber Laminates

Omar Abdelkarim Khaled Hilal Riad Amr Abdelrahman

Teaching Associate, Assistant Professor, Professor,
Structural Engineering Structural Engineering Structural Engineering
Dept., Dept., Dept.,
Ain Shams University, Ain Shams University, Ain Shams University,
Cairo, Egypt Cairo, Egypt Cairo, Egypt
o_abdelkarim@hotmail.com khilal2@yahoo.com amr@aace-eg.com

Omar Abdelkarim was born in Khaled H. Riad was born 1974 in Received his B.Sc. and M.Sc.
1984 in Elsharqya, Egypt. He Aachen, Germany. He received from Ain Shams University in
1986 and 1989 and his PhD from
received his B.Sc. with Honors in his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in 1997 and University of Manitoba, Canada,
Civil Engineering in 2006 from 2001 from Ain Shams University. in 1995. He is a member in a
Ain Shams University. In 2010 he He obtained his PhD. from Kassel number of the Egyptian Codes
obtained his M.Sc. from Ain University (Germany) in 2006. Committees of RC Structures,
Shams Uni. in Str. Engineering. Bridges and FRP Applications.
Engineering.
Summary
Precast segmental bridges have become one of the common construction techniques for elevated
highway projects in the last few years. Due to the continuously increasing traffic loads [1], [2], the
need to upgrade the capacity of existing bridges is an important issue. For such bridges with dry
joints between segments and in case the loads exceed the service level, joints may open and the
section capacity decreases. This research aims to investigate the efficiency of using carbon fiber
reinforced polymer, (CFRP), laminates to strengthen dry concrete joints. An experimental program
was conducted by testing five externally prestressed concrete simple segmented beams. Each beam
consisted of two precast units tested using a four point load setup until failure. Various CFRP
systems were used to strengthen the segmented specimens. In Addition a non-linear finite element
analysis was conducted, using the (ANSYS v.11), for all tested specimens. A comparison between
the numerical and the experimental results is presented. The research findings indicate a great
enhancement in the overall structural behavior of the segmental beams strengthened using CFRP
laminate systems. An increase in the flexural capacity up to 48% compared to the segmental beams
without strengthening systems was observed. This paper briefly discusses the obtained test results
and the efficiency of using CFRP laminates for strengthening segmental or spliced girders.

Keywords: strengthening, segmental bridges, external prestressing, CFRP laminates.

1. Introduction
The technique of precasting concrete box girders in short segments and transporting them to site to
be lifted into position is well established, and it offers many benefits on suitable projects [3] [4]. On
early bridges, constructed using this technique, the precast segments were connected with a narrow
in situ concrete or mortar joint while more recently the segments are usually match-cast in a factory
and joined on site with only a thin layer of epoxy between them. Several projects in the USA and
Asia have used match-cast segments erected without any epoxy in the joints, a technique known as
‘Dry Jointed Decks’[5].
Tests carried out by Macgregor el al. (1989) [6], [7], and Rabbat and Sowlat (1987) [8], [9]
demonstrated that a dry jointed segmental deck behaves in a similar manner to an in situ or epoxy-
jointed structure up to the point when longitudinal bending stresses give rise to decompression of
the joints or shear stresses cause the joint to slip. With segmental construction the joints are always
kept in compression under service conditions and the longitudinal stress check and other
serviceability checks are carried out as if the deck is monolithic. When dry-jointed decks approach
 Global Thinking In Structural Engineering: Recent Achievements
IABSE CONFERENCE, SHARM EL SHEIKH 2012

their ultimate bending capacity they undergo high deflection with the curvature generated by
rotations concentrated at individual segment joints. This is in contrast to monolithic or epoxy-
jointed decks, where the rotations and tensile cracks are more evenly spread out. These
concentrations of rotation cause a dry-jointed deck to fail at a lower moment than the equivalent
monolithic or epoxy-jointed arrangement. This is recognized in AASHTO by the lower strength
capacity reduction factor. The fundamental objective of this research project is to study the flexural
behavior of dry concrete joints strengthened by CFRP laminates. The application of CFRP
laminates is proposed to resist progressing of joint opening during loading due to its efficient
behavior under tensile loading.

2. Research significance
For the ultimate moment design for segmental bridges, when the deck is subjected to increased
loading beyond the serviceability state the joints decompress and begin to open up. As the load
increases more joints along the span open up and the openings extend over a greater part of the
segment depth. As the ultimate moment capacity is approached the deck deflections rapidly increase
and final failure occurs on the compression side by crushing of the concrete due to excessive strain
as shown in figure 1 [5].

Ultimate failure caused by

crushing and shearing of
concrete in this area

Under increased load joints open Tendon deviator

over maximum moment area External prestress

tendon
Fig. 1: Ultimate behavior of beam with dry joints and external tendons [5]

Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) applications are of most importance in the renewal of constructed
facilities infrastructure such as bridges, buildings, pipelines, etc. Recently, due to heavier traffic
loads, their use has increased in the upgrading or retrofit of concrete bridges. Due to the efficient
behavior of FRP laminates under tensile loading, they are proposed to be attached to segmental
beams with dry joints at the extreme fiber of tension to decrease the progressing of joint opening
between adjacent segments and so increase the ultimate load capacity.

3. Experimental Methodology
Five, T-shaped, externally prestressed, segmental concrete simply supported beams were tested [10].
Each T-beam measured 3000 mm in length, 300 mm in overall depth, 100 mm in web width and
300 mm in flange width. Shear keys were provided on the surface of the joint between the two
precast T-segments. The internal longitudinal reinforcement for all tested beams consisted of two
deformed steel bars with a diameter of 16 mm and 10 mm at the bottom and the top of the web
respectively. In the flange, two steel bars with a diameter of 6 mm were provided. Shear
reinforcement consisting of 10 mm diameter stirrups were used at spacing of 100 mm along each T-
segment. The prestressing steel composed of two (0.6’’) deviated low-relaxation strands with an
eccentricity at the mid part of the span equals 170 mm from the C.G. of the T-beam cross section
 Global Thinking In Structural Engineering: Recent Achievements
IABSE CONFERENCE, SHARM EL SHEIKH 2012

(280 mm from top of the beam flange). The two strands were prestressed from one live end anchor
at a thickened end plate with 170 kN jacking force per strand. Beams were prepared and designed
according to ACI-318 2005, ACI-440 2005, BD58/97, and BS5400-1990 [11], [12], [13], and [14].
To avoid stress concentration on the CFRP strip after the opening of the dry joint between the
segments, the CFRP strip was unbonded at a certain equal lengths each side of the joint [15]. Figure
2 shows the configuration for the tested beams. The properties of the tested beams are given in
table 1.

300 mm
P/2 P/2

100 mm
2 6
2 10
A
External Pre-stressed
Steel
10@100 mm
PJ

200 mm
A
950 mm 900 mm 950 mm 2 16
100 mm 2800 mm 100 mm 100 mm

Sec. A-A

P/2 P/2

External Pre-stressed CFRP U -W rap

Steel
PJ
U nbonded Length

One CFRP Strip (50 mm x 1.2 m m)

950 mm 900 m m 950 mm
100 mm 2800 mm 100 m m

Fig. 2: Configuration of the tested beams B1and B2

Table 1: Description of the tested beams variables

Strengthening Technique
Concrete Dimensions of
Beam Adhesive Unbonded
Beam compressive CFRP strip CFRP U-wrap Prestressing
length material length of
No. strength (length x force (kN)
(mm) type CFRP strip
(MPa) width x thick.) Width
(mm) No.
(mm) (mm)
B1 40 3000 ‫ــــ‬ None 170
2700 x 50 x
B2 40 3000 A 900 4 100 170
1.20
2700 x 50 x
B3 40 3000 A 400 6 100 170
1.20
2700 x 50 x
B4 40 3000 B 400 6 100 170
1.20
2700 x 50 x
B5 40 3000 B 400 2 100 170
1.20

Table 2 shows the material properties for the steel reinforcement and prestressed tendons. Table 3
shows the properties of the CFRP strips and the CFRP U-Wraps. Two types of the CFRP adhesive
material were used. Table 4 shows the properties of the epoxy adhesive material types.
 Global Thinking In Structural Engineering: Recent Achievements
IABSE CONFERENCE, SHARM EL SHEIKH 2012

Table 2: Data of the steel reinforcement and prestressing tendons

Young's Yielding resistance Ultimate resistance
Reinforcement Area (mm2)
modulus (GPa) (MPa) (MPa)

High Tensile Steel Ø10 79

210 360 520
bars Ø16 201
Steel tendons, 7wire (0.6”) 140 193 1755 1900

Table 3: CFRP strip and CFRP U-Wrap material properties

Young's modulus Ultimate Ultimate resistance
CFRP Laminates
(GPa) Strain % (MPa)
CFRP Strip 165 1.4 2700
CFRP U-Wraps 240 1.5 3800

Table 4: Epoxy adhesive material properties

Compressive Tensile strength Young's modulus
Type Adhesive for
strength (MPa) (MPa) (GPa)
Strip > 60 32 10
A
U-Wrap ‫ـ‬ ‫ـ‬ ‫ـ‬
Strip 103 35 12.8
B
U-Wrap ‫ـ‬ 30 3.8

4. Test Setup and Instrumentation

All beams were tested under four-point loading conducted in load control. Two concentrated loads
were applied at a distance of 950 mm from the supports, at the same location of the deviators, up to
failure. Temporary supports were located at the dry joint under the beam flange to carry the beam
until the prestressing application. Other temporary supports were located above the beam to
compensate the upward deflection under prestressing loads as shown in figure3.

Beam deflection at six points, joint opening and the

Fig. 3: Temporary supports
Fig.3: Temporary supports locations
horizontal displacements (used for the compressive
strain measurements) in the compression zone were
measured using 100 mm linear variable differential
transducers (LVDT’s). The vertical LVDT´s were
placed under the specimen and distributed along the
beam to measure the maximum deflection and also
the distribution of deflection along the beam. Six
concrete electrical strain gauges were distributed
along the top fibers of the concrete beam to measure
the concrete compressive strain. Four to six
electrical strain gauges were installed on the CFRP
strip of the specimens to measure the strain during
the loading process at different locations of the strips.
 Global Thinking In Structural Engineering: Recent Achievements
IABSE CONFERENCE, SHARM EL SHEIKH 2012

5. TEST RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The summary of the failure loads and the observed modes of failure for the tested beams is shown
in table 5. The results show a significant increase in the failure load provided by using the CFRP
laminates to strengthen the dry concrete joints.
Table 5: Summary of the failure loads and modes of failure for tested beams
Failure Load
Beam Mode of failure Increasing %
(kN)
B1 250 Crushing ‫ــــــ‬
B2 320 Bond Slippage 28
B3 340 Bond Slippage 36
B4 370 Crushing 48
B5 320 Debonding 28

With the load increase, the rotation of the segments caused the tendon to move towards the
compression flange, thus reducing the lever arm of the tendon. Summary of the test results at failure
for all tested beam is shown in table 6.
Table 6: Failure loads, deflection, concrete compressive strain, joint opening, and CFRP tensile
strain at failure for all beams
Failure Maximum Joint Maximum tensile
Maximum
Beam Load compressive strain in opening strain in CFRP
deflection (mm)
(kN) concrete (mm/mm) (mm) laminate (mm/mm)
B1 250 26 0.0034 7.85 ‫ـــــ‬
B2 320 29 0.0021 9.10 0.00680
B3 340 34 0.0022 9.75 0.00700
B4 370 46 0.0035 13.6 0.00790
B5 320 32 0.0023 10 0.00710

6. COMPARISONS
6.1 Comparison overall behavior between B1, B2 and B3
The purpose of the comparison between the tested beams B1, B2 and B3 is to study the effect on
ultimate state behavior due to applying the previously presented different strengthening systems,
difference in number of U-Wraps (four in beam B2 vs. six in beam B3) and the adhesive material is
epoxy type “A”. The load-deflection relation for the beams B1, B2 and B3 is shown in figure 4. It is
noted that with the load increase, the beams B2 and B3 show a stiffer response compared to the
beam B1. Figure 4 shows also the load-joint opening behavior of the three tested beams B1, B2 &
B3. It is noted that the progressing of the joint opening reduced clearly in the strengthened beams
B2 & B3.

Fig. 4: Load-deflection and Load-joint opening relations for the tested beams B1, B2 and B3
 Global Thinking In Structural Engineering: Recent Achievements
IABSE CONFERENCE, SHARM EL SHEIKH 2012

6.2 Comparison overall behavior between B1, B4 and B5

The purpose of the comparison between the tested beams B1, B4 and B5 is to study the effect on
ultimate state behavior due to applying the previously presented different strengthening systems,
difference in number of U-Wraps (six in beam B4 vs. two in beam B5) and the adhesive material is
epoxy type “B”. The load-deflection response for the beams B1, B4 and B5 is shown in figure 5. It
is noted that with the load increase, the beams B4 & B5 show a stiffer response compared to the
beam B1. Figure 5 shows also the load-joint opening relation of the three tested beams B1, B4 &
B5. It is noted that the progressing of the joint opening reduced clearly in the strengthened beams
B4 & B5.

Fig. 5: Load-deflection Load -joint opening relations for the tested beams B1, B4 and B5

7. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

The prediction of the behavior of the segmental beams up to failure contains several complications
such as, how to count for the stiffness reduction and the increase in the prestressing steel stresses
caused by the joint opening process. The calculation of the CFRP strain at each load level is an
additional parameter for segmental strengthened beams. ANSYS v.11 is used as a finite element
program for modeling the tested beams. In the current analysis a perfect bond between the CFRP
strips and concrete along the bonded length was assumed.

7.1 Element types

The ANSYS element library contains more than 100 different element types. Each element type has
a unique number and a prefix that identifies the element category. This section describes the
element types used for modeling [16 to 19].

7.1.1 Concrete
A solid element, Solid65, was used to model the concrete. The solid element has eight nodes with
three degrees of freedom at each node – translations in the nodal x, y, and z directions. The element
is capable of plastic deformation, cracking in three orthogonal directions, and crushing.

7.1.2 Steel
A Link8 element was used to model the steel reinforcement and the prestressing steel
reinforcement. Two nodes are required for this element. Each node has three degrees of freedom, –
translations in the nodal x, y, and z directions. The element is also capable of plastic deformation
and can be assigned with initial strains (for applying of the prestressing force).

7.1.3 FRP composites

A layered shell element, shell99, was used to model the FRP composites. The element allows for up
to 250 different material layers with different orientations and orthotropic material properties in
 Global Thinking In Structural Engineering: Recent Achievements
IABSE CONFERENCE, SHARM EL SHEIKH 2012

each layer. The element has six degrees of freedom at each node: translations in the nodal x, y, and z
directions and rotations about the nodal x, y, and z-axes.

7.1.4 Steel plates

An eight-node solid element, Solid45, was used for all steel plates attached for the concrete beam
(supports, loading plates and prestressing attachments). The element is defined with eight nodes
having three degrees of freedom at each node – translations in the nodal x, y, and z directions. The
element has plasticity, creep, swelling, stress stiffening, large deflection and large strain capabilities
but it is not capable of cracking or crushing.

7.1.5 Dry joint

The ‘’CONTAC52’’ element has been selected to model the contact between the two segments as a
dry joint [20]. Since the shear value equals to zero at the joint location, shear keys were excluded in
finite element study. Basically it represents two surfaces that can form break or physical contact and
may slide relative to each other. The element has an ability to support only compression in the
direction normal to the surfaces and shear (coulomb friction) in the tangential direction. The
element has three degrees of freedom at each node; translations in the nodal x, y, and z directions. A
specified stiffness acts in the normal and tangential directions when the gap is closed and not
sliding.

7.1.6 Contact between the unbonded length of the CFRP strip and the concrete beam
The contact pairs (CONTA174 and TARGE170) were chosen to simulate the contact between the
unbonded length of the CFRP strip and the bottom of the concrete beam. These elements were used
to keep the CFRP strip just contact the soffit of the concrete beam and do not penetrate it during
loading.

7.2 Loads and boundary conditions

Displacement boundary conditions are needed to constrain the model to get a unique solution. To
ensure that the model acts the same way as the experimental beam a single line of nodes on the
bearing plate was constrained in Y and Z directions as a simulation of a roller support and the
second bearing plate was constrained in X, Y and Z directions to simulate a hinged support. Total
loads on the beam were applied as multi point loads on the nodes of the loading plates. Figure 6
shows the boundary conditions and the loading positions on the beam.

Fig. 6: Boundary conditions and loading position on the beam

 Global Thinking In Structural Engineering: Recent Achievements
IABSE CONFERENCE, SHARM EL SHEIKH 2012

7.3 Finite element results

This part discusses the results obtained by FE analysis and the comparison between the
experimental results and results given by FE analysis.

7.3.1 The Control Beam (B1)

The failure of beam B1 was caused by concrete crushing at a load level of 250 kN. The finite
element analysis showed an excellent agreement with respect to the failure load, where the concrete
crushing occured at 255 kN. Figures 7 and 8 show the deflection and the concrete strain contours
along the beam and the joint opening at the failure load from FE analysis respectively. Figures 9
and 10 show excellent agreement for the comparisons of the load-deflection relation, load-concrete
strain relation and load-joint opening relation obtained from the finite element analysis and the
experimental results respectively.

Fig. 7: Deflection and concrete strain contours along the beam B1 at failure

Fig. 8: Joint opening at failure for the beam B1

Fig. 9: Experimental and FE load-deflection and load-concrete compressive strain relations for the
beam B1
 Global Thinking In Structural Engineering: Recent Achievements
IABSE CONFERENCE, SHARM EL SHEIKH 2012

Fig. 10: Experimental and FE load-joint opening relation for the beam B1

7.3.2 The Strengthened beam (B4)

The beam B3 failed experimentally at 340 kN where bond slippage occurred between the CFRP
strip and epoxy material, however the beam B4 failed at 370 kN due to concrete crushing. The
modeled beam in FE analysis failed at 355 kN by crushing. Figures 11and 12 show the deflection
and the concrete strain contours along the beam and the CFRP laminates tensile strain at the failure
load from FE analysis respectively. Figures 13 and 14 show excellent agreement for the
comparisons of the load-deflection relation, load-concrete strain relation, load-joint opening relation
and the load-CFRP strip tensile strain obtained from the finite element analysis and the
experimental results respectively.

Fig. 11: Deflection and concrete strain contours along the beam B4 at failure

Fig. 12: CFRP laminates tensile strain for the beam B4 at failure
 Global Thinking In Structural Engineering: Recent Achievements
IABSE CONFERENCE, SHARM EL SHEIKH 2012

Fig. 13: Experimental and FE load-deflection and load-concrete compressive strain relations for
the beam B4

Fig. 14: Experimental and FE load-joint opening and load-CFRP strip tensile strain relations for
the beam B4

8. Conclusions
The present study investigated the effect of strengthening segmental beams using CFRP laminate
systems on its flexural strength. Based on this investigation, the following conclusions can be
drawn:
1. Strengthening of the externally prestressed segmental tested beams using CFRP laminates
increased the flexural strength by about 28 to 48 % depending on the arrangement of the U-
Wraps along the beam and the type of the CFRP adhesive material.
2. The proposed strengthening systems of using CFRP laminates enhanced the overall behavior
of the externally prestressed segmental beams as follows:
a- The stiffness is increased.
b- The progressing of the joint opening is reduced.
3. Increasing number of CFRP U-Wraps from two to six enhanced the effect of the CFRP
strengthening system on the flexural strength of the externally prestressed segmental tested
beams by about 16%.
4. A numerical model for the analysis of segmental concrete beams with dry joint and external
pre-stressing has been introduced. The model has satisfactorily reproduced the results
obtained in experimental tests.
5. Joint opening behavior can be simulated analytically using gap elements in ANSYS but
experimental data should be available to verify the numerical model.
 Global Thinking In Structural Engineering: Recent Achievements
IABSE CONFERENCE, SHARM EL SHEIKH 2012

9. REFERENCES
[1] AASHTO (2007). LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, second edition, American
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington DC.
[2] AASHTO (1998). LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, second edition, American
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington DC.
[3] Podolny W., and J. M. Muller. 1982. Construction and design of prestressed concrete
segmental bridges. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY, 1982.
[4] Trayner, D., “Bridge Construction Methods”, PTIA (Post Tensioning Institute of Australia
Limited) and Concrete Institute of Australia, August 2007.
[5] Nigel R. Hewson, “Prestressed Concrete Bridges: Designed and Construction”, London,
England, 2003, pp. 207-246.
[6] MacGregor, R.J.G., Kreger, ME., and Breen, J.E., “Strength and Ductility of a Three-Span
Externally Post-Tensioned Segmental Box Girder Bridge Model,” External Prestressing in
Bridges, ACI SP-120, 1990, pp.315-438.
[7] MacGregor, RiG., “Evaluation of Strength and Ductility of a Three-Span Externally Post-
Tensioned Box Girder Bridge Model,” PhD. Dissertation, The University of Texas at Austin,
August 1989.
[8] Rabbat, B.G. and Sowlat, K. (1987) “Testing of segmental concrete girders with external
tendons,” PCI Journal, March-April, pp. 86-107.
[9] Sowlat, K., and Rabbat, B.G., “Testing of Segmental girders,” Final Report to Figg and
Muller Engineers, Inc., Project No. 0217, July 1984.
[10] Abdelkarim, O. I., “Strengthening of dry concrete joints using CFRP laminates”. M.Sc.
thesis, research conducted in Ain Shams University, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo, Egypt,
August 2010.
[11] ACI Committee 318, Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete (ACI 318-2005)
and Commentary (ACI 318R-2005), American Concrete Institute.
[12] ACI Committee 440, 2005, “Guide for the Design and Construction of Externally Bonded
FRP Systems for Strengthening Concrete Structures”, Design Guidelines.
[13] BD 58/94, Volume 1, Section 3, Part 9, (1994), “The Design of Concrete Highway Bridges
and Structures with External and Unbonded Prestressing”, November.
[14] BS5400 (1990), Steel, concrete and composite bridges “Part4: Code of practice for the
design of concrete bridge”.
[15] Ramos, G., Casas, J. and Alarcon A., “Repair and strengthening of segmental bridges using
carbon fibers”, Elsevier, Engineering Structures 26 (2004) 609-618, Oxford, UK.
[16] ANSYS, inc. online documentation, “ANSYS contact technology guide”, USA, November,
2004.
[17] ANSYS, inc. online documentation, “Release 11 notes”, USA, January, 2007.
[18] G. Rombach, “Precast Segmental Box Girder Bridges with External Prestressing-Design and
Construction-“, INSA Rennes, 2002.
[19] M. A. Al-Gorafi, A. A. A. Ali, M. S. Jaafar and I. Othman “FEM Study on the Structural
Behaviour of Segmental Prestressed Concrete Bridge under Torsion and Dry Joint”, ICCBT
(International Conference on Construction and Building Technology), Putra, Malaysia, 2008.
[20] Chaffo, N. (2004), “Design of pier segments in segmental hollow box girder bridges”, pp.79,
Cuvillier Verlag, Göttingen, ISBN-10: 3898739929.

View publication stats