Numerical investigation and design of a demountable steel connection system for precast concrete pavements

Abstract

Jointed precast concrete pavement systems (JPrCP) are difficult to be reused after installing steel dowel bars. To improve the reusability of precast pavement units, a demountable steel connection system is proposed. This paper presents a comprehensive finite element analysis (FEA) of models equipped with the demountable connection system under vertical loads. Parameters including the thickness, width, end distance and length of the steel plate, the height of the steel bar connection and the grade of high-strength bolts were studied. The FEA results indicated that the ultimate load of the connection system was affected by the steel plate end distance, the height of the steel bar connection and the grade of high-strength bolts. To lower the prying force between the steel bar connection and plate, the steel plate length and the steel bar connection height were increased, while the steel plate end distance was reduced. For preventing the necking of high-strength bolts which impaired the reusability of precast units, analytical solutions were derived to predict the design load of the steel connection system. According to the obtained data, design recommendations were proposed to improve the demountable connection design.