Load Transfer Test of Post-Tensioned Anchorage Zone in Ultra High Performance Concrete

Abstract

Researches on ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) have been conducted worldwide owing to its outstanding durability and strength performances. The exploitation of the mechanical properties of UHPC will render it possible to achieve economic design through substantial reduction in the cross sectional dimensions and simplification in the reinforcement arrangement. This paper investigates experimentally the load transfer in the prestressed concrete anchorage zone. To provide distinctive features of UHPC compared to ordinary concrete, the cross sectional dimensions of the member were reduced and the stress distribution, deformation and cracking pattern of the PS anchorage zone were examined experimentally according to the degree of reinforcement of the members chosen. The distributions of the bursting stress, spalling stress and longitudinal edge stress in the specimens were observed according to the various types of reinforcement. All the specimens satisfied the load-bearing capacity criterion specified by the European ETAG-013 guidelines and their stress distributions were similar to those in the PS anchorages of post-tensioned members applying ordinary concrete. The cracks propagated longitudinally with lengths up to twice the cross sectional dimensions and their width was smaller than when applying ordinary concrete owing to the bridging effect of the steel fibers in UHPC. Accordingly, the exploitation of the high strength of UHPC enabled us to secure the resistance of the anchorage with no need for particular reinforcing devices.