Bond properties of steel bar with engineered geopolymer composites under monotonic load

Abstract

AbstractEngineered geopolymer composites (EGC) featuring extraordinary tensile ductility are a potential alternative to engineered cementitious composite. In this study, the local bonding properties of steel bars in EGC were investigated. Monotonic loading tests of the 120 specimens were performed using the pullout test method. The study examined the ultimate tensile strain of EGC, diameter and anchorage length of the steel bar on bond performance. The results showed that the EGC, with an ultimate tensile strain of 4.57%, had the highest peak bond strength. By comparing the test results of rebar to ordinary concrete bond performance provided in several previous literature, it was demonstrated that EGC has superior bond performance with rebar compared to ordinary concrete. Based on this, suggestions were provided for the design of rebar anchorage length in EGC. Finally, a mathematical model suitable for determining the bond–slip curve between EGC and steel bars is proposed.