TA819 : Improving the behavior of piles to sleeve connections by fiber reinforced cement baxsed composite materials
Thesis > Central Library of Shahrood University > Civil & Architectural Engineering > PhD > 2025
Authors:
[Author], Farshid Jandaghi Alaee[Supervisor]
Abstarct: Abstract In recent decades, the growing use of offshore and marine structures such as oil platforms and wind turbine foundations has underscored the importance of reliable connection design. A common method is the grouted pile-to-sleeve connection, where the annular gap between pile and sleeve is filled with grout or concrete to transfer forces. Owing to the brittle behavior of conventional grout, high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (HPFRC) offers potential for improved mechanical performance and durability. In this study, three connection specimens with identical geometry but different concretes, plain 1% hooked fibers, and 2% straight fibers, were tested under axial compression. Results showed that fiber reinforcement significantly enhanced load-bearing capacity, ductility, and bond strength. The hooked-fiber specimen improved capacity by about 15%, while the straight-fiber specimen achieved nearly 30% improvement. Plain concrete failed suddenly at the pile–grout interface, whereas fiber-reinforced specimens showed more ductile behavior, delayed crack propagation, and stronger interlocking, particularly with straight fibers. To evaluate design standards, experimental results were compared with predictions from HSE, API, DNV, and DNV-GL. DNV-GL gave the closest estimates, with less than 3% error for plain and hooked-fiber specimens, though it underestimated the performance of straight fibers by about 12%. API showed the largest deviation. Thus, DNV-GL was identified as the most suitable standard for fiber-reinforced grouted connections. A 2D finite element model was also developed in Abaqus, incorporating nonlinear material properties, realistic contact, and failure mechanisms. The model closely reproduced experimental load–displacement behavior, ductility, and failure modes, with less than 2% difference in ultimate strength, confirming its reliability. In conclusion, incorporating steel fibers, especially straight fibers, substantially improves the strength and ductility of grouted pile-to-sleeve connections. The validated numerical model provides a robust tool for parametric studies and design optimization. These findings can support improved design practices, updated code provisions, and enhanced safety of offshore structures under extreme conditions.
Keywords:
#Keywords: Grouted pile-to-sleeve connection #grout #fiber-reinforced concrete #failure mode #shear key #ABAQUS modeling Keeping place: Central Library of Shahrood University
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