The Influence of Concrete Cover, Type of Wire Indentation and Concrete Mix on Bond between Steel and Concrete in Prismatic Prestressed Concrete Members

This research was focused on evaluating the influence of the different variables that affectsplitting in prestressed concrete members, particularly prestressed concrete ties. These include the thickness of concrete cover, release strength of concrete, and the type of wire indentation. Different combinations of these variables can affect splitting. This research was focused on finding the best possible material characteristics to avoid potential failures in the field. The objective of this research was to set the minimum value of the thickness of concrete cover, for different wire types used in manufacturing having given types of aggregate for concrete mixture. The importance of this research was to identify the best materials and the best system (concrete, wire, cover) designs before the production of prestressed concrete ties. Splitting test results presented in this research were focusedon three different thicknesses of concrete cover, three different concrete mixes, a 4500psi concrete release strength, and seven different indented wire types.