Shear-off strength of compact reinforcement splicing for improved construction of in situ concrete structures

Construction process of span-by-span in situ concrete decks built with travelling scaffolding is being modified in order to shorten the time of completion. In order to do so, compact splicing between cast phases is needed to enable the movement of internal formworks. As this reinforcement detailing is not covered by standards, this paper presents an original experimental research program evaluating the structural behavior of such construction joints under shear stresses. To evaluate the robustness of such planes between phases, shear strength has been evaluated under two conditions, flexurally uncracked and flexurally cracked joints. This last test series aims to evaluate the possible deleterious effects of transverse bending moments. Material has been also taken as a variable, testing normal strength concrete, self compacting concrete and high strength concrete. Results show the reliability of this unconventional splices as well as their strength.