Study of Effects and Behavior of Cold Joints in Concrete

KSHITIZ LAMICHHANE1, a) TEK RAJ GYAWALI1, b), BUDDHI RAJ JOSHI1,c)

1
School of Engineering, Pokhara University, Pokhara, Nepal
a)
settrazz.lc@gmail.com, b)tekrg@pu.edu.np, c),

Abstract. When constructing any Reinforced Concrete buildings in Nepal, the column is first casted from the one floor
level to the level of 10 cm below of the beam of the upper floor. Casted columns are left for few days with curing to
ensure that column may resist the certain load during casting of upper floor. Then, upper part of column (10cm), beam
and slab are monolithically casted at once. This research will help to find the effects of such cold joints presented in
columns with experimental works and by modelling in Finite Element Program.
The research is based on experimental work and modelling of the surface of cold joints in Finite Element program,
verifying the mechanical properties of the concrete with cold joints with the experimental results. The method for this
research includes experimental as well as modelling of RC members in Finite Element Program i.e. ABAQUS. First of
all, experiments are to be conducted for RC samples with presence of cold joints setting different variable parameters
such as, cold joints induced at different interval of times, cold joints at different locations, cold joints of different
orientation (vertical, horizontal and inclined at 45 degrees). The results from these experiments are then verified through
the model analysis form finite element program. Then through the verified models, beam element, column elements are
to be created for the analysis and study purpose.

The variation of changes in mechanical properties of the concrete while inducing cold joints in different orientation for
different time interval of casting is confirmed by this thesis.

INTRODUCTION
A cold joint is a plane of weakness in concrete caused by an interruption or delay in the concreting
operations. Cold joints are formed primarily between two batches of concrete where the delivery and
placement of the second batch has been delayed and the initial placed and compacted concrete has started to
set.
It is often not possible to complete a job at one go, for example because of the size or complexity of the
structure or because of limited materials or manpower. When work resumes it will be necessary to place
fresh concrete on or against the previous pour that will have already hardened. The resultant contact surface
is known as a cold joint or day work joint [1]. In other words, the joint could have been avoided if the entire
concreting were completed without any stopping in between so that no part of the structure needs to be
continued (by concreting) at a later date. Practically that is often not possible, especially for larger structures.
Interruptions can happen due to varieties of reasons such as sudden breakdown of machinery, stopping of
work at the end of the day, sudden heavy rain, installation of formwork for next lift (for wall, column etc.)
and so on [2].
Construction joints are stopping places in the process of placing concrete, and they are required because in
many structures it is impractical to place concrete in one continuous operation. The amount of concrete that
can be placed at one time is governed by the batching and mixing capacity and by the strength of the
formwork [3]. A good construction joint should provide adequate flexural and shear continuity through the
interface.
“FIGURE 1.” Schematic Diagram Showing Working of Hydrocyclone (image courtesy: www.metprosupply.com)

LITERATURE REVIEW
H.P. Pandit et. Al presented the sediment removal performance of a modified hydrocyclone. Early, settling basin
had been used to filter suspended sediments in hydropower plants. This paper presents the experimental study of a
test rig consisting of a hydrocyclone, 0.38 m in diameter with a modified geometry. Obtained results were compared
with other investigations and found out that modified hydrocyclone gives better hydraulic and sediment removal.
Hirde et. al presented the seismic behavior of elevated water tank in different soil conditions and different seismic
zones in India for different height and capacity of water tank. It gives us the idea regarding the effect of height of
water tank in different seismic zones with earthquake forces in different soil conditions with the help of 240 models
analysis. Urmila et. al did seismic behavior of cylindrical liquid storage tank using response spectrum method in
FEM software ETABS and is presented in this paper using IS 1893: 2002. For elevated RCC circular water tank two
cases empty and full are considered for analysis then, base moment and base shear is compared for different types of
soils and different earthquake zones.

SUMMARY OF PAST WORK

Above literature reviews gives the detail knowledge regarding use of modified hydrocyclone in hydropower and
Housner proposal of dynamic analysis in elevated water tank using convective liquid mass and impulsive liquid
mass method. Previous study shows that only structural design and dynamic analysis of elevated water tank and
Intze type tank have been done. However, the study of raised tank placed over hydrocyclone is nil till date.

NEED FOR PRESENT INVESTIGATION

The present study is taken up to break down the conduct of Raised Tank of hydrocyclone with various load
cases, in particular raised tank in full condition and in empty condition with 3 distinctive arranging framework for
earthquake in seismic Zone V of Nepal. The outcomes were looked at, talked about and discerning conclusions are
drawn.
METHODOLOGY
To study the dynamic effect of water in Raised Tank of hydrocyclone extensive literature review related to
hydrocyclone, elevated water tank, Intze type tank was done. At first, hydrocyclone and its raised tank is modeled
including different staging systems. Then static analysis is done and determined the stresses developed in the
supporting structures for different staging system. The sloshing of water is modeled and determined the increase in
stresses in the different staging system developed due to dynamic analysis. The effect of dynamic analysis in
deflection of the supporting structure, base shear and base moment for different staging system is compared using
the FEM software ETABS and conclude the staging system for the hydrocyclone.

MODELING AND ANALYSIS

Structural analysis of the structure in carried out by using ETABS 2016 software. Three –Dimensional models
have been prepared. Concrete M20 is used for all the structural members whereas Fe 250 is used for steel structures.
Centre-line dimension is followed for the analysis and design. The sizes of structural components are assumed. For
dynamic analysis purpose, following, (IITK-GSDMA Guidelines for Seismic Design of Liquid Storage Tanks) we
have to convert the properties of water as mass spring model and calculate the height of rigid link to be created in
FEM software. After creating the link in FEM software base shear and moment obtained from link model is
transferred to actual model. This process gives us the dynamic behavior of Raised Tank of hydrocyclone in different
loading condition.

MODEL DESCRIPTION
One of the objectives of this model designing is to ensure that the models represent actual parameters of
hydrocyclone and its all actual parameters. However, for model designing, main factors such as actual dimension of
hydrocyclone which includes upper and lower diameter of its opening, grid spacing, floor shape, floor height,
column section and beam section were considered. The hydrocyclone with different system of staging were
considered for this study. The floor plans were divided into one by three bay in such a way that center to center
distance between two grids in X direction is 4.35 meters as shown in Figure 2. The floor height of the building was
assumed as 3 meters for two floors. And the Other details are provided in Table 1.

TABLE 1. GENERAL FEATURES

Architectural features:
Plinth Area About 4.35m X 6.5m
Type of Building Important building
Number of Floors 2 storey
Height of Storey 3m
Total Height 8m
Structural features
Structural System Composite Structure
Foundation Type Raft Foundation
Columns(mm) Square 300X300, ISMC 150 face to face
Beams(mm) Rectangular 230X300, ISMC 150, ISMC 100
Slab Fe 250, 8mm
Geotechnical features
Soil Type Hard Soil (Soil type – I)
Seismic Zone V (as per IS 1893:2002, part-1)
 Response reduction factor 2.5
Importance Factor 1.5
Materials
Grade of concrete M-20 Grade of Concrete for all the Structural Members
Grade of steel Fe-500 (elongation >14.5%)
Unit weight of concrete 25 kN/m3
Young’s Modulus of 5000 √fck
Elasticity, Ec

Modulus of elasticity for 200 kN/mm2

Steel, Es

Poisson’s Ratio 0.20 for concrete and 0.3 for rebar

Cover to Reinforcement
Columns 40mm
Beams 25mm or bar diameter whichever is greater

“FIGURE 2.” Plan of Hydrocyclone Set-Up with Raised Tank “FIGURE 3.” Elevation of Hydrocyclone Set-Up with Raised
Water Tank

Columns and beam were modeled as frame elements while shear wall was modeled as equivalent frame (wide
column analogy).

The number of storey of building was fixed such that inter storey drift exceeds the permissible limit as per IS
1893-2002 part I. Response Spectrum analysis was performed as per IS 1893-2002.

TYPES OF MODEL CONSIDERED FOR ANALYSIS ARE LISTED AS FOLLOWS.

 RCC column and beam

 Shear wall in three sides
 “FIGURE 4.” Staging with Shear Wall in ETABS “FIGURE 5.” Staging with R.C.C Columns

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The dynamic analysis of the Raised Tank of hydrocyclone with three different staging systems was carried out.
The modeling of the different staging system was done in ETABS 2016. The design (sizing) of Hydrocyclone is
done by Dr. Hari Pandit as first application of his research for using Steel tank Hydrocyclone on Hydropower, which
was his doctoral thesis carried out in NTNU Norway. The Structural detailing works is as per use of Hydrocyclone
for desanding sediment as planned on Detailed Project Report of Rudi A SHP, 8.8MW, Kaski zone, Nepal, Project
Detailed Engineered by Clean Energy Consultants (p) Ltd, Kathmandu, Nepal. The Selection of the type of structure
heavily depends on Cost, reliability and easiness on construction. The Response spectrum analysis of the different
staging system of Raised Tank of hydrocyclone were performed as per IS 1893 part I.

COMPARISON OF BEHAVIOR OF RAISED TANK WITH DIFFERENT CONDITION

Model 1 Using R.C.C Column-Beam

The dynamic analysis of the Raised Tank of hydrocyclone using staging of R.C.C column and beam in 3m center
to center was performed. Displacement, Base reaction, Joint reaction and Centers of Mass and Rigidity are given as
follows.

TABLE 2. COMPARISON OF BASE REACTIONS FOR FULL LOAD AND EMPTY LOAD FOR DL AND WATER
LOAD CASE
FOR FULL CASE
Base Reactions
Load Combination FX FY MX MY MZ
  kN kN kN-m kN-m kN-m
 EQ X -54.978 0 0 -319.55 125.167
EQ Y 0 -54.978 319.551 0 -195.2
Specs X Max 54.978 0.074 0.3997 293.878 120.699
Specs Y Max 0.0731 54.9777 297.638 0.3988 178.086

FOR EMPTY CASE

Base Reactions
Load Combination FX FY MX MY MZ
  kN kN kN-m kN-m kN-m
EQ X -43.004 0 0 -237.95 99.8237
EQ Y 0 -43.004 237.954 0 -155.86
Specs X Max 39.5568 0.0869 0.4508 193.877 87.189
Specs Y Max 0.0859 41.7764 209.372 0.4251 136.074

TABLE 3. COMPARISON OF DISPLACEMENT FOR FULL LOAD AND EMPTY LOAD FOR DL AND WATER
LOAD CASE

FOR FULL CASE

Storey Max Displacements
Storey Load Combination Direction Maximum
      mm
3 DL + Water X 0.004
2 DL + Water X 0.002
1 DL + Water X 0.000333
       
FOR EMPTY CASE
Storey Max Displacements 
Storey Load Combination Direction Maximum
      mm
3 DL + Water X 0.003
2 DL + Water X 0.002
1 DL + Water X 0.001
 FOR FULL CASE
0
0
0
Displacement in mm
0
0
Maximum mm
0
0
0
0
0
3 2 1
Storey

“FIGURE 6.” Displacement of Model 1 Full Case

FOR EMPTY CASE

0

0
Displacement in mm

0
Maximum mm
0

0
3 2 1
Storey

“FIGURE 7.” Displacement of Model 1 Empty Case

MODEL 2 R.C.C SHEAR WALL IN THREE SIDES

The dynamic analysis of the Raised Tank of hydrocyclone using staging of R.C.C shear in three sides was
performed. Displacement, Base reaction, Joint reaction and Centers of mass and rigidity of model 3 are given as
follows.
TABLE 4. COMPARISON OF BASE REACTIONS FOR FULL LOAD AND EMPTY LOAD FOR DL AND WATER

FOR FULL CASE

Base Reactions
Load Combination FX FY MX MY MZ
  kN kN kN-m kN-m kN-m
EQ X -200.16 0 0 -1100.96 584.344
EQ Y 0 -200.16 1100.96 0 -667.095
Specs X Max 200.157 8.8329 21.6797 511.739 510.815
Specs Y Max 10.2306 200.163 554.301 26.6559 478.567
           
FOR EMPTY CASE
Base Reactions
Load Combination FX FY MX MY MZ
  kN kN kN-m kN-m kN-m
EQ X -176.212 0 0 -925.228 550.845
EQ Y 0 -176.212 925.228 0 -589.621

TABLE 5. COMPARISON OF MAX DISPLACEMENTS FOR FULL LOAD AND EMPTY LOAD FOR DL AND
WATER

FOR FULL CASE

Storey Max Displacements
Storey Load Combination Direction Maximum
      mm
3 DL + Water Y 0.01

2 DL + Water Y 0.009

1 DL + Water Y 0.002
       
FOR EMPTY CASE
Storey Max Displacements 
Storey Load Combination Direction Maximum
      mm
3 DL + Water Y 0.004

2 DL + Water Y 0.003

1 DL + Water Y 0.001
 FOR FULL CASE
0.01

0.01
Displacement in mm
0.01

0.01 Maximum mm

0
3 2 1
Storey

“FIGURE 8.” Displacement of Model 2 Full Case

FOR EMPTY CASE

0
0
0
Displacement in mm

0
0
0 Maximum mm

0
0
0
0
3 2 1
Storey

“FIGURE 9.” Displacement of Model 2 Empty Case

SUMMARY
The dynamic behavior of raised tank of hydrocyclone was investigated using Response Spectrum Analysis.
Based on numerical results for different staging system for support of hydrocyclone and its raised tank different
analyses results of the structure are concluded.
1. Displacement in all models is found within permissible limit as per IS 1893:2016.
2. For all types of model, it is found that eccentricity is within permissible limit 5% and
model is concentric according to IS 1893:2016.
3. Model 1(RCC beam-column) can be used in the damped or moisture content areas, places
susceptible to corrosion.
4. Model 2 (Shear wall in 3 sides) can be used in the places susceptible to earth pressure for
example in hilly or mountainous areas.
REFERENCES
1. Basnyat, S., 1997. “Monitoring sediment load and its abrasive effects in Jhimruk Power Plant”, 2nd
International Course on Small Hydropower Development, Kathmandu, pp. 323–330.
2. Faga. E, G.A Rassati and R. Nascimbene, “Seismic design of elevated steel tanks with concentrically braced
supporting frames” American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE Library), Structures Congress 2012.
3. IITK-GSDMA Guidelines for Seismic Design of Liquid Storage Tanks Provisions with commentary and
explanatory examples.
4. Jaiswal and Jain, “Modified Proposed Provisions for a Seismic Design of Liquid Storage Tanks” Journal of
Structural Engineering, Vol.32,issue 4, pp.297-310, 2003.
5. Kulkarni Reshma and Mangulkar , “Dynamic Analysis of Elevated Intze Water Tank” International Journal of
Research in Advent Technology Special Issue 1st International Conference on Advent Trends in Engineering,
Science and Technology, pp.211-214, 2015.
6. Moslemi M. and Kianoush. M.R.(2011),”Seismic response of liquid-filled elevated tanks”, Engineering
Structures, 33,2074-2084
7. Neesse, Th, and Dueck J.(2007), “Dynamic modeling of the hydrocyclone”, Minerals Engineering, 20,380-386
8. Pandit, H.P.,Shakya, N.M., Garg, N.K., Stole, H., 2007. Sediment Handling in Himalayan Rivers using
Hydrocyclones. In: Proc Workshop NUFU Supported Doctoral Research in Inst. Of Eng., Kathmandu, pp 39-
62.
9. Rupesh Kumar. D, Gopal Naik, M, (2015), “A study on Effect of Water Tanks Modeled as Tuned Dynamic
Properties of Structures”, ASCE Library
10. Soheil Soroushnia, Tavousi Tafreshi Sh.(2011), “Seismic Performance of RC Elevated Water Tanks with
Frame Staging and Exhibition Damage Pattern”, Procedia Engineering, 14,3076-3087
11. Soheil Soroushnia, Sh. Tavousi Tafreshi and Sajad Soroushnia, “Seismic Performance of RC Elevated Water
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Reference to a book:
Punmia, B.C., Jain, A.K. and Jain, A.K., (2001) “R.C.C. Design”, Laxmi Publications (P) LTD, New Delhi.
S,K Duggal; Earthquake