Bond strength of galvanized steel : experimental and numerical study based on pull-out tests

Abstract

The construction of more durable structures is becoming a mandatory requirement. Different alternatives are followed in reinforced concrete structures, as the use of galvanized reinforcement to increase the service life. Due to the fact that the interaction between concrete and galvanized steel is different from the carbon steel case, the bond strength might call into question. The present article studies the bond stress development of conventional and hot-dip galvanized steel reinforcement embedded in concrete made with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). Results indicate that maximum bond stress measured for galvanized steel is similar to that of conventional reinforcement. Furthermore, the numerical model developed with ABAQUS notably reproduces the contact between concrete and galvanized steel with the help of the experimental pull out tests carried out, showing a practical implementation for future structural element analysis.