Bond-slip behavior of deformed rebar in grouted duct connection: Experiment, theoretical analysis and cohesive-zone element model

In precast bridge piers, the grouted corrugated duct (GCD) connection can offer advantages of accommodating large construction tolerances and being cost-effective. However, this connection is relatively new, and its bond strength and effective bond length are a concern in structural design. To fill the research gap of the bond behaviors of the GCD connection, experimental tests of 36 pull-out specimens with/without GCD were conducted in this paper. The influencing factors of bond strength were investigated, including duct, rebar diameter and anchorage length. The results revealed that the GCD connection required a shorter anchorage length and exhibited a plumper bond-slip curve and higher bond strength compared to the specimen without GCD connection. Then, an analytical model based on thick-walled cylinder theory was proposed to construct the bondslip curve of GCD connection, and to identify the criteria for mortar strength. To simulate the bond-slip relationship in finite element model, a cohesive-zone element model realized by the zero-thickness user defined element was developed at the interface between rebar and dummy rebar. Finally, a comparison was made among the solution of proposed bond-slip model, finite element analysis, and the tested data, demonstrating good consistency between the three.