Local bond stress-slip behavior of reinforcing bars embedded in lightweight aggregate concrete

This paper aims to study the local bond stress-slip behavior of reinforcing bars embedded in lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC). The experimental variables of the local bond stress-slip tests include concrete strength (20, 40 and 60 MPa), deformed steel bar size (#4, #6 and #8) and coarse aggregate (normal weight aggregate, reservoir sludge lightweight aggregate and waterworks sludge lightweight aggregate). The test results show that the ultimate bond strength increased with the increase of concrete compressive strength. Moreover, the larger the rib height to the diameter ratio ($h/d_b$) of the deformed steel bars is, the greater the ultimate bond stress is. In addition, the suggestion value of the CEB-FIP Model Code to the LWAC specimen's ultimate bond stress is more conservative than that of the normal weight concrete.