Concrete to Concrete Connection Handbook

Structures such as buildings, bridges, dams, or other constructions are made primarily of concrete since it is a versatile material that is commonly used in construction due to its strength, durability, and ability to be molded into various shapes. The aging of the building stock as well as the increased awareness of risks related to natural and man-made hazards (e.g., earthquakes and fire) as well as to sustainability requirements are highlighting the need for structural interventions on existing buildings. These interventions usually target structural strengthening and/or functional repurposing. Furthermore, there is an increasing need for construction technology to meet demanding requirements in terms of sustainability, as well as efficiency in terms of productivity and lean constructions. To meet such requirements, concrete members cast at different times often need to be connected or the section of structural elements needs to be increased. Post-installed rebars and shear connectors installed into hardened concrete structures are well-established solutions to ensure safer and more reliable connections between existing and new concrete elements.

Design of cast-in-place reinforced concrete structural systems are well established and documented in the engineering community. The structural behavior and applicable design methods are well understood and implemented around the world through their respective codes and standards. However, understanding and designing post-installed systems for concrete structures reveals the need to grasp new technical concepts and methods to be able to arrive at safe and efficient solutions for both design and installation of such systems.

The world of concrete-to-concrete connections using post-installed rebars or shear connectors has evolved long way. It has gone from using a limiting equivalency load-displacement behavior for cast-in systems to more advanced methods where product-dependent performance paves the way for safer, more reliable and economical design methods. This handbook attempts to compile and render state-of-the-art technical concepts, design methods, calculation examples and tools to help you design and install post-installed systems for concrete structures. We have done this in a concise and user-friendly manner for the Engineering Community.

After chapter 2, which highlights the main applications within the scope of this handbook, chapter 3 explains the framework for assessment and qualification of products which are critical for performance of the designed applications. Chapter 4 talks about the Hilti solutions qualified for various design requirements. Chapter 5, chapter 6 and chapter 7 give the applicable design methods and step-by-step calculations for the design of lap-splices, end-anchorages and shear-friction (overlay) applications, subjected to various loading actions and installation conditions.

Chapter 8 is dedicated to Hilti’s PROFIS Engineering software suite, a one-stop tool for designing concrete-to-concrete connections using the illustrated design methods in the most efficient and productive way. Chapter 9 is dedicated to the installation, inspection, and importance of quality control of post-installed systems for concrete structures. This is because the correct execution methods are crucial for realizing the design intent and life of the structures. Chapter 10 comprises of some reference project examples from different parts of the globe, which were made possible by adopting Hilti’s post-installed rebar and shear connector solutions.

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