Title: Experimental investigation of a splice for ultra-high-performance concrete H-piles under flexure, shear, and tension
Date Published: September - October 2026
Volume: 71
Issue: 5
Page Numbers: 57 - 72
Authors: Sriram Aaleti and Sri Sritharan
https://doi.org/10.15554/pcij71.5-03
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Abstract
Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has enhanced compressive and postcracking tensile strengths and durability properties. A tapered 10 in. (254 mm) deep, H-shaped prestressed UHPC pile was developed as an alternative to conventional steel HP piles with several benefits. To facilitate field implementation of the UHPC piles, a dry splice detail with steel angles and shear studs was developed with a focus on constructibility. Its performance under flexural, shear, and direct tension loading was evaluated through large-scale testing of full-scale spliced UHPC pile units. Flexural tests were conducted on spliced UHPC piles in weak- and strong-axis directions using a four-point loading configuration. A total of three shear tests were conducted using three-point loading, subjecting the spliced region to different shear demands. The flexural and shear tests confirmed the adequacy of the pile-splice capacity under shear and flexural loading. A direct tension test was also conducted on a spliced UHPC pile by subjecting it to 225 kip (1000 kN) of tension. This resulted in a few microcracks in the test pile with no damage observed in the splice region. A simplified analytical method based on first principles accurately captured the observed performance of the test piles.