Experiment and Numerical Investigation into the Direct Shear Performance of Bridge Column Joints Connected by Grouted Sleeves

Grouted sleeves are extensively utilized in precast columns within the framework of accelerated bridge construction, with their components typically joined by splice joints. Experiment and numerical methods were adopted to investigate the shear performance of these splice joints connected by grouted sleeves. A series of three direct shear tests was conducted on sleeve connections under monotonic loading conditions. Furthermore, post-test analysis involved sectioning the specimens along the interface to examine the connection’s internal structure. The experiment findings confirmed that the shear strength was derived from a combination of cohesion, dowel action, and friction. Cohesion was observed to dissipate at the onset of displacement, after which the shear force increased progressively with lateral displacement. Additionally, the primary mode of connection damage was identified as the crushing of grout and the adjacent concrete around the steel reinforcement. Subsequently, finite element (FE) models were developed and validated against the direct shear tests with regard to failure modes and load-slip relationships. Utilizing these FE models, a parametric study was carried out to identify the key factors influencing the shear strength of the splice joints.