Seismic Testing of RC Full Scale Structures (Ongoing)

Research Assistants - Everyone in the group

Description - Two full-scale, two-story RC structures are tested under cyclic lateral loading to evaluate their seismic performance. The design exhibits non-seismic detailing of the beam-column joints, where no transverse reinforcement is present. The first structure is tested in as-built condition to evaluate the vulnerability of joint shear. The second one will be tested in retrofitted condition using the Fully Fastened Haunch Retrofit Solution (FFHRS). In this technique, diagonal steel haunches are post-installed on the beams and columns with adhesive anchors.

Behavior of Anchorages and Subassemblies Under Predominant Moment Loading (Ongoing)

Research Assistant - Gaurav Chobe

Description - Connections between structural elements are established using either cast-in or post-installed anchorages. Common examples include column-to-foundation, beam-to-column, beam-to-wall, and wall-to-foundation connections. These connections are frequently subjected to predominant bending moments resulting from external loads acting on the structure. As critical components, it is essential to design them accurately to withstand the applied moments. Notably, approximately 50% of anchors manufactured globally are used for anchorage and bracing applications. Therefore, the accurate design of moment-loaded connections is vital for ensuring the efficient and optimal utilization of anchors. Current design guidelines, such as ACI 318 and EN 1992-4, do not fully account for the positive influence of bending moments on the capacity of anchorages. This project aims to address these limitations by improving the design of moment-loaded connections through comprehensive experimental testing and advanced finite element investigations.

Post-Installed Rebars for Widening Reinforced Concrete Bridge Slabs (Ongoing)

Research Assistant – Dheeraj Waghmare

Description - The project focuses on widening existing reinforced concrete bridges using post-installed rebars to address growing traffic demands without the need for complete reconstruction. In this method, reinforcement bars are anchored into existing concrete by drilling holes and bonding them with adhesive mortar. Compared to traditional approaches involving concrete removal and splicing, this technique is faster, less invasive, and causes minimal traffic disruption. The study involves both experimental testing and numerical modeling to understand the design and structural behavior of such connections, ensuring their safety and performance under real-world conditions.

Anchorages in 3D printed concrete (Ongoing)

Research Assistant – Deepak Suthar

Description - In this work, we are conducting one of the first experimental investigations aimed at understanding the behavior of anchorages—both cast-in and post-installed—in 3D printed concrete. The study begins with small-scale tests to evaluate the performance of single anchors and anchor groups embedded in 3D printed concrete elements. These tests are designed to assess the influence of the layered printing process, interlayer bond quality, and anisotropic material behavior on anchorage performance. Building on insights gained from the small-scale testing, a large-scale experiment is conducted to evaluate the behavior of an anchorage connection developed for a deep-sea floating foundation fabricated using 3D printed concrete. This comprehensive experimental program provides critical data on the structural performance and failure mechanisms of anchors in 3D printed concrete and lays the groundwork for developing design recommendations and standards tailored to this emerging construction technology.

Anchorages with anchor reinforcement (or supplementary reinforcement) under tension, shear, and moment loading (Ongoing)

Research Assistants – Jayesh Shivtarkar, Deepak Suthar

Description - In this work, we aim to develop improved analytical design models for anchorages with anchor reinforcement subjected to tension, shear, and moment loading. The proposed models will apply to both cast-in and post-installed anchors, as well as to cast-in and post-installed anchor reinforcement bars. Current design provisions often rely on simplified assumptions or empirical adjustments that may not accurately capture the complex interaction between the anchor, reinforcement, and surrounding concrete. Our goal is to establish a unified and mechanics-based framework that accounts for key parameters. The models will be calibrated and validated using experimental data and advanced numerical simulations, ensuring both accuracy and practical applicability. Ultimately, the improved models aim to enhance the safety, reliability, and economy of anchorage design, and to provide a basis for potential updates to design standards such as ACI 318, ACI 349, fib Design guides, and EN 1992-4.

Performance Based Seismic Design and Qualification of Anchors (Ongoing)

Research Assistants – Luis Fernandez, Tyler Wood, Dheeraj Waghmare, Gaurav Chobe, Juliana Suarez

Description - Seismic design and qualification of anchorages following a displacement-based approach. Expected results will lead to a more precise qualification compared to the current European categories C1 and C2. Besides, the project aims to expand anchorage technology usage into areas currently prohibited or limited by overly conservative design procedures.

Bond between reinforcement and concrete at elevated temperatures (Ongoing)

Research Assistant – Muhammad Fasih ur Rehman

Description - The structural integrity of reinforced concrete members under tension loading hinges upon the effective stress transfer between steel reinforcement and surrounding concrete. At elevated temperatures, degradation in mechanical properties of concrete, thermal stresses and cracking may result in bond splitting failure with a reduced bond strength. My research focuses on bond behavior at elevated temperatures, with special emphasis on bond splitting at elevated temperatures.

Numerical Modeling for Assessment and Evaluation of New and Retrofitted Bridge Rails Under Impact Load

Research Assistants – Prathyusha Malladi, Gaurav Chobe, Dheeraj Waghmare

Description – This project aims to develop alternate methods such as high-performance numerical 3D FE modeling and analysis of bridge railing systems to replace crash testing. Guidelines will be developed for appropriate numerical modelling and dynamic (impact) analysis of bridge rails. The primary focus will be to evaluate F-shaped railings and PF-1 railings with existing anchor details and also retrofitted with epoxy anchors.

Non-linear Spring Model for Combined Pullout and Concrete failure (Ongoing)

Research Assistants – Prathyusha Malladi, Gaurav Chobe

Description – This project aims to develop a non-linear spring modelling technique for the anchor failure mode of Combined pullout and concrete cone (CCPO). Literature at present gives a spring model for concrete cone failure, but not for CCPO. This project involves developing new formulation for critical spacing and testing to verify the same.

Numerical study of non-seismically designed 3D interior beam-column joint with Haunch Retrofit Solution (Ongoing)

Research Assistant – Amulya Bhattachan

Description - The behavior of non-seismically designed interior beam-column joint retrofitted with haunch retrofit solution was studied by conducting a numerical parametric study using finite element software called Femap-MASA. Three joint conditions were taken for the study as given below: 1. a planar (2D) interior beam-column joint 2. interior beam-column joint with a transverse beam 3. interior beam-column joint with a transverse beam and slab. These control specimen (unretrofitted model) were subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading protocols which were also done for the retrofitted models. Finally, the crack pattern, stress/strain profile in longitudinal main beam and slab reinforcement, hysteresis behavior, anchor forces, force in diagonal haunches and failure mode were compared.

Behavior and Design of anchors under Biaxial moment loading (Ongoing)

Research Assistant – Angel Rawat, Gaurav Chobe

Description - This project investigates the performance of anchorages and anchorage sub-assemblies subjected to biaxial moment loading using both experimental testing and numerical modeling. The study examines anchors placed away from edges and close to one or more edges, where edge proximity can significantly affect behavior and failure. Key failure modes include concrete cone breakout and combined pullout and concrete cone failure. Experimental results are used to understand load–deformation response and failure mechanisms, while validated numerical models provide further insight into stress transfer. The findings are applied to verify and improve analytical formulations for the design of anchorages and sub-assemblies under biaxial moment loading.

Impact Response of Reinforced Concrete Beams (Ongoing)

Research Assistant – Samuel Benson

Description - This project examines the effect of shear span ratio on the impact response of reinforced concrete beams using numerical and experimental methods.

Rebars Under Fire (Ongoing)

Research Assistant – Nick Reid, Dheeraj Waghmare

Description - This project aims to numerically model bond under elevated temperature loading for various geometric configurations. The aim is to better understand bond as it pertains to higher temperatures and what parameters govern for design.