Bending Strength Evaluation Method for Precast Pile Cap Using Anchorage Reinforcement and Embedment

Recent seismic events have revealed the vulnerability of pile head connections, emphasizing the need for rational and reliable design methodologies for these connections. This study examined the strength of pile caps with anchorage reinforcement and embedment by performing bending-shear tests. Even when cap dimensions were reduced or embedment lengths were shortened, the specimens exhibited stable load-deformation behavior and sufficient ductility. However, conventional evaluation approaches inadequately captured geometric influences. Then, a compressive strut mechanism-based model was formulated that incorporated effective shear reinforcement stress derived from the experimental results. Evaluation using the proposed formula showed close agreement with the experimental results.