Title: Western Canada detailing for reinforcing bar connections of hollow-core slabs to masonry walls: Tension tests
Date Published: July - August 2026
Volume: 71
Issue: 4
Page Numbers: 37 - 55
Authors: Yazan Al-Hatamleh, Yasser M. Selmy, Karl Truderung, and Ehab F. El-Salakawy
https://doi.org/10.15554/pcij71.4-01
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Abstract
This study investigates the in-plane tensile performance of end-bearing bar connections between hollow-core slabs and concrete masonry walls, a critical component in precast concrete diaphragm systems for mid- and high-rise construction. Six full-scale wall-slab assemblies were tested under displacement-controlled pull-away loading to simulate diaphragm tension with variations in reinforcement geometry (L-shaped and U-shaped bars), parapet presence, and axial compression to reflect different floor levels. The results highlight that the primary load-resisting mechanism was shear friction at the grout-to-masonry interface, with embedded reinforcement and axial load serving to delay grout cracking and maintain structural integrity postpeak. U-bar configurations showed improved strain distribution and reduced displacement, while vertical wall reinforcement, common in western Canada practice, proved critical in confining the grout and maintaining a continuous load path. Axial compression significantly enhanced connection strength and ductility, with peak capacities reaching up to 90 kN (20 kip), well above code-prescribed minimums in the Canadian Standards Association’s CSA A23.3:24, Design of Concrete Structures, and the American Concrete Institute’s Building Code for Structural Concrete—Code Requirements and Commentary (ACI 318-25). Despite severe interface cracking, all connections sustained residual tensile capacity, demonstrating the resilience of end-bearing bar connections when combined with appropriate reinforcement detailing. The findings support current design practices and offer insight into enhancing the safety and robustness of diaphragm-to-wall connections in precast concrete systems.