Experimental investigations of partial loading capacity with plane load distribution

Experimental investigations of partial loading capacity with plane load distribution. In partial loading concrete stresses are limited to the 1.1-fold of the compressive strength. Especially in case of small loaded areas like wall supports or longitudinal joints of segmental tunnel linings this limitation often governs the design. A beneficial confining reinforcement is generally not taken into account. The contribution presents experimental results of large RC specimen tested at the Technical University Munich and the Ruhr-Universität Bochum. It is shown that stiffly anchored splitting reinforcement (e.g. welded ladders) increases bearing capacities even in case of plane distributed loads. Moreover, assuming non-affine loading and distribution areas leads to more realistic capacity estimates. Incorporating additional data from literature the results are elaborated to a practical design proposal. It is able to differentiate regarding a rebar's anchorage stiffness and allows for, in parts, significantly increased contact pressures.