Experimental and numerical assessment of the bond behaviour of laser-cut reinforcement
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Reinforced concrete is a carbon-intensive technology, with concrete production contributing to 4-8% of global CO2 emissions, while steel production for reinforcement bars accounts for approximately 1.5% of global emissions. The use of concrete and steel in reinforced concrete can be minimized by optimizing the reinforcement layout and including reinforcing elements with variable cross-sections. This can be achieved through laser-cutting from steel sheet bespoke reinforcing elements that can then be assembled in optimized arrangements. However, a significant challenge in applying optimized lasercut steel reinforcement is understanding the bond mechanisms between the reinforcement steel and the surrounding concrete to achieve composite behaviour. This study explores the bond behaviour of laser-cut reinforcement. A systematic experimental program is designed to understand the effects of reinforcement geometry and surface treatment techniques on bond behaviour. Additionally, a numerical framework is developed to assess the mechanisms driving the transfer of bond stresses in the case of ribbed laser-cut reinforcement. The results indicate that incorporating ribs with appropriate spacing can increase the bond capacity by approximately six times in comparison to smooth laser-cut reinforcement, achieving a bond strength that falls between that of conventional smooth and ribbed rebars. The numerical results show that ribbed laser-cut reinforcement shares bond-stress transfer mechanisms with traditional ribbed rebars, with chemical adhesion and friction playing a significant role at low levels of slip, and mechanical interlocking dominating at higher slip levels. These findings have the potential to reduce material consumption through the use of optimized laser-cut steel reinforcement and provide a foundation for further optimizing the bond performance of laser-cut plates.
Authors: Meisam Takalloozadeh, Matthew Gilbert, Dave Allen, Giacomo Torelli
Institutions: Shiraz University, University of Sheffield
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,080
OpenAlex ID: W4402897643