Behaviour of grouted sleeve connections at elevated temperatures

Tubular steel jointing system that incorporates prestressed grout sleeve connections has superior strength under both static and dynamic loading. This paper reports an investigation into the effect of elevated temperatures on the load carrying capacity of such connections. Eleven specimens were heated in a furnace and the load was applied through an Instron machine. Three different grout lengths were chosen. The load deflection behaviour at different temperatures was compared. It was found that the ultimate load reduces almost linearly as temperature difference (TD) between outer and inner tubes increases. It is encouraging to observe the ductile behaviour of grouted connections at elevated temperature. Thermal analysis was also conducted to predict the temperature field in the connection.