Validation of reinforced concrete bond stress–slip models through an analytical strain distribution comparison

The bond and slip between concrete and the reinforcement bars, cover a key role in the inter-material force transfer of Reinforced Concrete (RC) structures. In light of the lack of tools able to thoroughly inspect the inner workings of RC structures and to extract reliable bond stress values, modern bond stress–slip (Bond–slip) models are often inaccurate and in contradiction with each other. Considering the recent surge of novel hyper-performant strain sampling tools (Distributed Sensing for example), their application for the creation of novel and physically accurate Bond–slip models is just a matter of time. This being said, one of the main reasons behind the modern coexistence of multiple inaccurate and at times contradictory Bond–slip models is the absence of a tool that has allowed researchers to rapidly corroborate and calibrate their newly created models. To this end, the present article proposes such a Bond–slip validation tool for RC elements. This one is designed to extract reinforcement strain profiles at any given load level on the grounds of a specific bond–slip law and geometrical inputs. Said profile is then compared against an experimentally extracted one based on specimens with identical geometrical features. The performance of the validation tool is demonstrated through an application to six existing bond–slip models. Granted the proposal of validation tools is paramount for the future of the discussion on bond–slip modelling, stress-transfer analyses and serviceability of RC structures, the here proposed validation tool is a first significant step in that direction.

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