Effect of Rebar Cover and Development Length on Bond and Slip in High Strength Concrete

Abstract

Composite behavior of reinforced concrete requires adequate bond between concrete and steel reinforcement that can transfer stresses between them. The bond strength is influenced by cover to the reinforcement and development length. Experimental investigation was carried out and twisted steel bars conforming to BS 4461 were used in high strength concrete to study bond strength characteristics. The post peak bond behavior was studied by using displacement controlled universal testing machine. The results of this experimentation confirmed that by increasing the cover/bar diameter ratio, bond strength increased and slip decreased for both small and large diameter twisted steel bars. This increased confinement reduced the uneven bond stress distribution along the development length. Stress concentration on the front key (concrete between two ribs) was reduced due to its continuity along the twisted steel bar. Hence it offered maximum possible resistance to bond failure and the bond strength increased. Similarly by increasing the development length, bond strength and corresponding slip both increased. Another fact visible from all figures and observed in all samples, is that as the first concrete key failed there was a sudden drop in bond strength due to the formation of longitudinal splitting cracks. These cracks are visible from the surface of the cylinder. Once a key is failed, failure propagated immediately.