Title: Flexural Behavior of Octaform(TM) Forming System

Author(s): A. Rteil, K. Soudki, and D. Richardson

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 257

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 133-148

Keywords: ductility; flexural behavior; flexural strength; polymer-based material; stay-in-place form

DOI: 10.14359/20244

Date: 10/1/2008

Abstract:
Octaform(TM) system is a stay-in-place concrete forming system that consists of interconnected PVC polymer-based elements. These elements are assembled on the construction site to form a hollow wall shell structure, which is then filled with concrete to complete the wall. This paper reports on the flexural behavior of these specimens. Eight of the tested specimens were fabricated using the Octaform system and the remaining four acted as control specimens (without forming system). All specimens were 305 mm (12 in.) wide and 2.5 m (8.25 ft) long. The specimens were reinforced with two 10M bars. The variables studied were the depth of the specimen (150 mm [6 in.]) or 200 mm [7.87 in.]) and the connector configuration. Two types of connectors were used: flat in the middle or inclined (45o) at the corner. The specimens were monotonically tested in horizontal position (to simulate flexural behavior) in four -point bending. Test results showed that the Octaform system increased the cracking load, yield load. And ultimate load by 36%, 78% and 36% on average, respectively, compared to the control specimens. Also, the ductility index for specimens encased with Octaform increased by 25%. The type of the connectors had no effect on the general behavior of the Octaform-encased specimens. A simple limit state model was proposed to predict the flexural capacity of the Octaform-encased specimens. In general, the predicted values compared well with the experimental values.