An Experimental Study on the Joints in Ultra High Performance Precast Concrete Segmental Bridges

Failures of segmental bridges have been attributed to the inadequate joint connection techniques, which led to corrosion of the post-tensioned tendons connecting the segmental joints. The principal objective of this study is to evaluate the performances of the in-situ cast joint and epoxy applied shear key joints as a function of shear and ultimate strengths. Furthermore, shear behavior and strength of shear key joints in ultra high performance precasted concrete segmental bridges are experimentally evaluated to understand its shear failure behavior. The test parameters of shear key shape and type, load-displacement relations, cracking behavior, concrete strength, and fracture modes are considered in the study. Also, several parameters which influence the mechanical behavior of the shear key joint are analyzed. Based on the study results, the optimal shear key shape and joint type are proposed for the joint design and analysis guidelines.