Production and testing of thin-walled UHPFRC precast elements

Figure: VSL

Deep Bay Link segmental bridge in Hong Kong in the construction phase [5]

Figure: VSL

Figure: Betonkalender 2004

Joint design with reinforced single projection (left) and non-reinforced fine keying (right) [6]

Figure: Betonkalender 2004

Figure: iBMB

Thin-walled monolithic and segmental UHPFRC test specimens [7]

Figure: iBMB

UHPFRC spacers produced in-house

Figure: iBMB

Production of a test specimen by filling the mold on one side

Figure: iBMB

Principle of the short-line match-cast process

Figure: iBMB

Segmental test specimen prior to the first concreting stage

Figure: iBMB

Segmental test specimen prior to the second concreting stage

Figure: iBMB

Delivery of test specimens

Figure: iBMB

Alignment of segments to create a
segmental beam

Figure: iBMB

Test set-up for combined loading

Figure: iBMB

Failure zone of the monolithic test specimen V6

Figure: iBMB

Failure zone of the segmental test specimen V8

Figure: iBMB

A realistic scope of application for UHPFRC and new options for thin-walled precast elements were defined on the basis of the experience gained in a series of experimental tests carried out as part of a DFG research project at iBMB Braunschweig.

1. Introduction

This article reports on experimental tests carried out as part of a DFG research project at the iBMB, Department of Concrete Structures, at Braunschweig University of Technology. This project evaluated the production and load-bearing behavior of thin-walled, box-section precast elements made from ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). The precast elements produced for testing purposes included two designs: a conventional, monolithic box beam design and a segmental beam design. Furthermore, this contribution outlines the test design and key findings of the...