The paper describes the design, development and experimental checking of a modified type of structural joint with limited length between concrete segments cast in-situ. The design concept is based on the developed length of an anchorage hook stiffened by transverse reinforcement bars and is particularly suited for the case of in-situ construction of staged box girder bridges, with the intention of possibly using lighter scaffolding.
The studies concentrated on the strength, stiffness and serviceability of the proposed joint are presented. The research work comprises the bending behaviour of reinforced concrete slabs with loop joints with regard to the diameter of the loop bar, loop joint width and ultimate and fatigue load. The results are compared to the behaviour of reinforced concrete slabs without joints. A total of 16 slabs were tested with static and fatigue loading tests. The present paper evaluates the flexural behaviour in static loading tests. The results of fatigue tests have also shown excellent performance.
In the static tests, crack widths and cracking pattern were observed at service load levels, and the ultimate behaviour was evaluated by means of tests to failure.
From the test results, the service performance of the loop joints was confirmed to be similar to slabs without joints. The static loading tests confirm the good performance and effectiveness of this loop joint type under static loading. Details of the loop joint design criteria are also proposed.