High-Bond Bars in NSC and HPC: a Study on Size Effect and on the Local Bond Stress-Slip Law

Size effect is studied here with reference to the bonding of short, deformed bars, embedded in normal-strength concrete (NSC) and high-performance concrete (HPC). Tests on 48 cylindrical specimens reinforced with a single bar and subjected to a pull-out or push-in force show that bond exhibits a strong size effect, which is well described by Bazant's general-type size-effect law. Four diameters are considered (db =5, 12, 18, and 26 mm), with bonded length-to-bar diameter ratios equal to 3.5 (HPC) and 5 (NSC). All specimens are highly confined by means of a steel jacket to prevent or control cover splitting and to investigate bond behavior in highly confined conditions. Test results on short, anchored bars were instrumental in working out the local bond stress-slip law, taking into account size effect, which appears in the formulation of the maximum bond stress through the bar diameter. Short embedments also prevented bar yielding. The proposed local bond stress-slip law (1) is formulated as an extension of the law suggested in European Model Code MC90, also including some later proposals; (2) fits quite well with the available test data on short, well-confined anchored bars; (3) introduces the favorable effects that the confining reinforcement (generally consisting of stirrups and longitudinal bars) has on bond strength; and (4) may be easily introduced into a design code.