Experimental and numerical investigation into the tensile performance of a novel self-adaptive grouting evolved sleeve

In prefabricated concrete structures, vertical rebars are typically connected using grouting sleeves. However, current grouting sleeves are prone to unavoidable and hard-to-detect grouting defects during installation, which pose potential risks to the safety of these structures. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a novel self-adaptive grouting evolved sleeve (SAGES) connection. Unlike traditional grouting sleeves, which rely on a standard grouting process, the SAGES employs a "pregrout-rebar" process, which improves the controllability of grouting quality and enhances its compatibility with construction errors. The design of the steel bar end configuration and the geometric optimization of its internal conical section significantly enhance these properties. Uniaxial tensile tests were conducted on the proposed SAGES to assess its mechanical properties under static tensile conditions. Additionally, ABAQUS software was used to perform a series of analyses to explore the factors influencing the anchorage mechanism and load-bearing performance of SAGES. The findings demonstrate that the SAGES connection, through its unique grouting process, ensures complete grouting. Moreover, the mixed anchorage mechanism effectively prevents sliding failure of the connection components, allowing for the full utilization of the material performance of the connecting reinforcement.