Interfacial shear performance of UHPC-strengthened RC structures using post-installed rebar connections: Experiments and analyses

The reliable bonding effect between the ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) layer and the existing reinforced concrete (RC) components is always expected when UHPC is used to rehabilitate deteriorated RC structures. The post-installed rebar connection has been demonstrated to possess robust mechanical performance. However, no research to date clarifies how to design the post-installed rebar connection in engineering practice. To this end, this study conducted 34 push-out tests to investigate the interfacial shear performance of UHPC-strengthened RC structures using post-installed rebar connections. The primary variables in the tests included strengthening form, embedded depth of rebar, rebar diameter, rebar spacing, and substrate type. Based on the test results, three different failure modes were identified. The analytical results indicate that the embedded depth of the rebar has a significant influence on the performance of the post-installed connection. A formula was proposed to determine the minimum embedded depth, and its accuracy was validated by the physical experiments. The load-bearing mechanisms were revealed based on the experimentally measured force–displacement curves. The shear capacity of the connection mainly comprises the adhesive effect, rebar shearing, and friction. The connection capacity can be approximated by the rebar shear capacity due to its robust shear resistance. Also, a formula was proposed to estimate the shear capacity of the rebar. The experimental and theoretical results facilitate the design and application of post-installed rebar connections in UHPC-strengthened RC structures.