NEW DATA ON GROUTED CONNECTIONS WITH LARGE GROUT DIMENSIONS

The paper describes two studies into the static strength of grouted connections with low D/T ratios. These were performed as part of the development programme for the North Rankin 'A' foundation improvements. One study was on the strength of grouted pile plugs in 1.83 m diameter piles and comprised tests on quarter scale and full size pile sections. The other study comprised quarter scale tests on pile/insert connections where both steel tubulars and the grout annulus had low D/T ratios. The effect of different weld bead shear connector geometries was also studied. The new data presented is complementary to existing design guidance on the strength of grouted connections and extends the available data into connection geometries with large grout dimensions. The results of tests on four quarter scale and two full size pile plug specimens are presented, together with the results of tests on a further ten quarter scale pile/insert specimens with different weld bead shear connector geometries, different grout types and loading arrangements. Comparison is made with the predicted strengths derived from current UK and US design guidance. The tests demonstrate that current design guidance formulae for grouted connections cannot be extrapolated to connection with tubular and grout annulus diameter to thickness ratios below the recommended lower limits of applicability if current safety margins are to be maintained.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • "OTC '89", 21st Annual Offshore Technology Conference held Houston May 1-4 1989, Vol. 1, p.291 [8 pp., 4 ref., 3 tab., 6 fig.]
• Authors:
  • Smith, B L
  • Tebbett, I E
• Conference:
  • "OTC '89", 21st Annual Offshore Technology Conference
  • Location: Houston Texas, United States
  • Date: 1989-5-1 to 1989-5-4
• Publication Date: 1989

Language

• English

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Concrete; Grouting; Offshore structures; Structures
• Old TRIS Terms: Structural strength
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00695642
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Maritime Technology
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 14 1995 12:00AM