Analytical method and analysis of cold-joint interface

Abstract

The behaviour of the interface between two concrete layers, subjected to shear, is a complex process that is influenced by many different parameters. Knowledge of concrete interface performance is insufficient to this day. Most of the existing analytical methods are only suitable for determining the highest interface shear resistance and do not consider the interface behaviour at other stages. This article focuses on smooth concrete interfaces, which have their layers cast at different times (cold-joint interface). By analysing the results of different experimental push-off tests, presented in the literature, a novel analytical method was developed for the previously described concrete interface. Furthermore, numerical models of push-off tests were developed. A parametric numerical analysis was employed to determine the influence of various physical parameters that might affect interface shear behaviour. Most importantly, the results acquired using the proposed analytical method were compared with the findings of numerical analysis and experimental results acquired by other authors. The values of shear stress and slippage were found to be relatively close. Therefore, the proposed analytical method is suitable for the analysis of smooth concrete interfaces cast at different times.