Parametric study on the non-contact splices at drilled shaft to bridge column interface based on multiscale modeling approach

The structural performance of large-scale rectangular column-circular drilled shaft interface using non-contact splices is investigated through experimental study and numerical analysis. The influences of lap spacing and the length of overlapped longitudinal bars, the stirrup ratio and the variation of concrete strength on the global mechanical response and mesoscale cracking pattern are analyzed. According to the provisions in current design guidelines, a total of eleven specimens are designed for parametric study. The macroscopic load-displacement curves, the cracking pattern of concrete of designed specimens are comparatively discussed. The experimental results matched well with that of the FEM analysis. The research findings can provide valuable guidance on the construction and design of non-contact lap splices with geometric irregularities in the following Phase II of this project.