Predicting Behavior of Grouted Dowel Connections Using Interfacial Cohesive Elements

Grouted dowel connections are used extensively in precast load bearing walls owing to their simple construction and forgiving tolerances. Current design guidelines do not adequately consider the composite nature of such connections. Moreover, robust numerical models for these connections are yet to be developed. Therefore, a finite element model of grouted dowel connections was developed in this paper. The model adopts a phenomenological bond–slip constitutive law to predict the load versus slip response of grouted bars and considers tensile yielding of the reinforcement. The local bond–slip law used was generated from carefully designed experiments to eliminate spurious effects associated with bond testing. The model was validated using experimental results on grouted connections, as well as data retrieved from the open literature. Excellent agreement between experimental and numerical results was observed, highlighting the accuracy of the model in depicting interfacial stresses of the assembly. The model requires simple calibration, is computationally efficient, and can accurately simulate the failure behavior of bars embedded in grouted connections.