Tests and limit analysis of loop connections between precast concrete

elements loaded in tension

Purpose of paper-

Study suggest the relation among various parameters to the strength of U-bar joint & intends to help
in designing the stitch between precast panels using cast insitu stitch.

Limitation of study-

For pure tension having a non-symmetric connection will cause in-plane rotation due to difference in
line of applied and resisting force, Hence Study is only applicable to symmetric U Bar connections
loaded in pure tension such as 4 to 3 connection meaning 4 U bars overlapped by 3 U bars.

U-Bar Joints(Looped connection) & application-

U-bar joints are frequently used in practice to establish continuity between precast deck elements in
steel–concrete composite, concrete girder bridges. Looped connections are used in such a way that
there is tensioned in the u bars. Such as near the intermediate pier. The overlapping U-bars confine
a flattened cylindrical concrete core, which is reinforced with transverse bars inside the core.
Structural functioning and failure pattern of looped connections-

Connection failure is governed by either yielding of U-bar or by failure of concrete core, in practice,
the engineers prefer to design loop connections in such a way that yielding of the U-bars is
governing. In this way, the full tensile strength of the precast deck elements may be utilized, and a
ductile behaviour can be obtained. Yielding of the U-bars is only possible if the premature failure of
concrete core is avoided which appears to be governing in most of the cases.

Strut and tie model along with the experimental failure of lopped connection is presented below for
better understanding of behavious of joint.It is observed that when u bars are tensioned concrete
struct is formed diagonally between adjucent U-bars and transverse reinforcemnt act as ties.This
behavious is evidently seen in fauilure of joint in exprement where facture lines are foemed due to
diagonal tension.

Conclusion-

Experimental results conclude that the ultimate tensile load for failure of test specimen were
influenced in following manner-

 Nc increases when the ratio of transverse reinforcement increases.

 Nc increases when the overlapping length of the U-bars increases.
 Nc increases when the spacing between overlapping U-bars decreases.
 Nc is not affected by the diameter of the U-bars.