Role of casting position on bond strength of reinforcement in eccentric pullout silica fume concrete specimens

This paper reports on a study designed to investigated the effect of silica fume, bar size, and concrete confinement on the bond-slip characteristics of bottom cast reinforcing bars anchored in eccentric pullout silica fume specimens. The main objective was to assess the effect of casting position by comparing the test results with those of top cast specimens tested earlier and identical except for the casting position. Forty-eight eccentric pullout specimens were tested. The variables were the percentage replacement by mass of cement by silica, the concrete cover over the reinforcing bar, and bar size. Failure of the specimens was governed by splitting of the concrete cover over the anchored bar. The test results indicated that as the percentage silica fume increased, the maximum load capacity and the stiffness of the load-slip curve of the bottom cast bar decreased regardless of bar size or the concrete cover used. The reduction in the ultimate load due to presence of silica fume was independent of casting position. Companion bottom and top cast anchored bars developed similar ultimate load capacity regardless of the percentage replacement silica fume.