Characterization of the bond properties at the steel-concrete interface in concrete members reinforced by steel profiles

Abstract

In the framework of the European research project SmartCoCo (Smart composite components), aiming at elaborating a design methodology to be used for all situations in which steel profiles are used to reinforce locally what for else remains a classical reinforced concrete structure, an experimental campaign is carried out to study the transfer of compression/tension forces from a steel profile to the surrounding concrete by longitudinal shearing of the interface without creating local disturbances, like transverse cracking or splitting of concrete around the steel profile . The present paper presents the design methodology, describes the test specimens and test procedure and summarizes the very first experimental findings.