Table 2 Similarities of and differences in the observed failure characteristics of samples P1 and C1 with the steel plate connection and the steel couple connection, respectively.
Specimen | P1 with the steel plate connection | C1 with the steel coupler connection |
|---|---|---|
Similarities | (1) Cracks first form in the interface between the waler and strut (2) As the load increases, the flexural cracks gradually appear to exhibit a shear failure mode and then propagate obliquely towards the bottom of the strut-beam interface (3) The spalling and crushing of the concrete at the bottom of the samples cause the joints to lose their bearing capacities; the shear compression failure of the strut is the failure mechanism | |
Differences | (1) Horizontal cracks emerge on the top surface of the waler beam along the edge of steel plate (2) The distribution of semicircular cracks on the surface of the waler beam is denser | (1) No horizontal cracks appear on the top surface of the waler beam |