Development of a new analytical model for circular concrete ring segments with dry joints under combined effects

Abstract

Previous models of circular ring segment joints have been inadequate in describing their loading capacity due to the lack of consideration for the interaction between shear force and bending moment. Consequently, these models have led to over‐ or underestimation of the joints' capacity. The increasing use of dry joint connection technology in wind turbine towers and prefabricated segmental bridge constructions necessitates the development of advanced computational models for these connections. This study presents a new model that considers the effects of bending moment, shear force, and torsion on the loading capacity of circular ring segment joints. Numerical simulations were conducted to validate the developed model under different load combinations, and the results demonstrate excellent agreement between the model predictions and numerical simulations.