UHPC (Ultra High Performance Concrete) board inverted T-shaped wet joint reinforcing structure with pre-embedded perforated steel laths
By embedding the perforated steel strips and hooked steel bars in the inverted T-shaped wet joints of the UHPC bridge deck and forming concrete tenons, the problems of easy damage to the inverted T-shaped wet joints and poor bonding performance of the UHPC interface are solved, the tensile performance and durability of the structure are improved, and the construction process is simplified.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202421766758.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-24
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-07-24
AI Technical Summary
Under the influence of adverse factors such as overload, fatigue, corrosion, etc., the inverted T-shaped wet joints are easily damaged, resulting in structural diseases; the steel fibers of prefabricated UHPC and cast-in-place UHPC are discontinuous, resulting in poor bonding performance, low tensile resistance, and easy cracking of the interface between new and old UHPC; the repeated effects of long-term rainwater infiltration and live loads lead to cracking of the bridge deck, affecting the durability and service performance of the structure; the interface between the steel strips and the UHPC produces longitudinal shear force and vertical separation force.
The structure is strengthened by the UHPC plate inverted T-shaped wet joints with embedded holes with steel strips. By embedding the holes with steel strips and hook steel bars in the inverted T-shaped wet joints, and circular holes are set on the steel strips to form concrete tenons, which resist the longitudinal shear force and vertical separation force between the interface between the steel strips and the UHPC.
It improves the tensile performance of inverted T-shaped wet joints, prevents the joints from cracking easily, enhances the safety and durability of UHPC components, simplifies the construction process, and reduces steel consumption and cost.
Smart Images
Figure CN222908518U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of bridge construction, and particularly relates to a reinforced structure for an inverted T-shaped wet joint of a UHPC plate with embedded perforated steel strips. Background Technique
[0002] At present, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is a fiber-reinforced cement-based composite material prepared based on the maximum packing density theory, with ultra-high mechanical properties and durability. UHPC structures usually have small sizes, light self-weights, strong durability, high design freedom, excellent spanning ability and fatigue resistance. Therefore, UHPC materials have broad application prospects in the field of bridge engineering. However, the price of UHPC materials is relatively high at the present stage. Therefore, they are mainly applied to fields such as bridge deck paving. Moreover, UHPC materials have high requirements for curing conditions. Therefore, they are usually prefabricated in a factory and then assembled on site to ensure the construction quality and save construction time. In the construction of prefabricated bridges, the cast-in-place inverted T-shaped wet joint between the main boards has become a weak link in force. Under the action of adverse factors such as overload, fatigue, and corrosion, it is easy to cause damage to the inverted T-shaped wet joint, and even trigger structural diseases, seriously affecting the development and operation of prefabricated bridges.
[0003] Continuous and randomly distributed steel fibers in the matrix of ultra-high performance concrete are the key to ensuring its excellent toughness and tensile properties. However, at the joint interface of the UHPC bridge deck, the steel fibers of the precast UHPC and the cast-in-place UHPC are discontinuous, resulting in poor bonding performance and low tensile performance at the interface between the new and old UHPCs, and it is easy to crack. Under the action of factors such as long-term rainwater penetration, repeated action of live loads, and its own aging, it is easy to cause deep water cracking of the bridge deck, seriously affecting the durability and service performance of the structure.
[0004] Roughening the precast UHPC plate can increase the bonding performance at the joint interface between the new and old UHPCs, but it is time-consuming and laborious and the construction process is complex. Embedding steel plates at the bottom of the UHPC joint can greatly enhance the tensile performance at the joint interface between the new and old UHPCs. However, the steel plates need to be welded with connecting pieces, and the precast UHPCs on both sides of the steel plates need to be poured simultaneously, which is laborious and consumes a large amount of steel, and it is easy to cause corrosion of the steel plates.
[0005] In summary, the following technical problems exist:
[0006] Under the action of adverse factors such as overload, fatigue, and corrosion, it is easy to cause damage to the inverted T-shaped wet joint, and even trigger structural diseases;
[0007] The steel fibers of the precast UHPC and the cast-in-place UHPC are discontinuous, resulting in poor bonding performance and low tensile performance at the interface between the new and old UHPCs, and it is easy to crack;
[0008] Under the action of long-term rainwater penetration, repeated live loads, and its own aging, etc., it is easy to cause deep cracks in the bridge deck, seriously affecting the durability and service performance of the structure;
[0009] Longitudinal shear force and vertical separation force are generated at the interface between the steel strip and UHPC. Summary of the Invention
[0010] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a reinforced structure for the inverted T-shaped wet joint of a UHPC slab with pre-embedded perforated steel strips, so as to solve the problems in the prior art that under the action of adverse factors such as overloading, fatigue, and corrosion, it is easy to cause damage to the inverted T-shaped wet joint, and even trigger structural diseases; the steel fibers of the precast UHPC and the cast-in-place UHPC are discontinuous, resulting in poor bonding performance and low tensile performance at the interface between the new and old UHPC, and easy to crack; under the action of long-term rainwater penetration, repeated live loads, and its own aging, etc., it is easy to cause deep cracks in the bridge deck, seriously affecting the durability and service performance of the structure; longitudinal shear force and vertical separation force are generated at the interface between the steel strip and UHPC.
[0011] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reinforced structure for the inverted T-shaped wet joint of a UHPC slab with pre-embedded perforated steel strips, including:
[0012] Precast UHPC slabs, the precast UHPC slabs are provided with UHPC steps, and an inverted T-shaped wet joint is formed between adjacent precast UHPC slabs;
[0013] Pre-embedded perforated steel strips, the pre-embedded steel bars are horizontally arranged in the inverted T-shaped wet joint,
[0014] A plurality of circular holes are provided on the pre-embedded perforated steel strips;
[0015] Pre-embedded hooked steel bars, the pre-embedded hooked steel bars are horizontally arranged in the inverted T-shaped wet joint;
[0016] Wherein, UHPC is poured in the inverted T-shaped wet joint.
[0017] Preferably, one end of the pre-embedded hooked steel bar is in a hooked structure.
[0018] Preferably, the pre-embedded perforated steel strips are arranged parallel to each other up and down.
[0019] Preferably, the pre-embedded perforated steel strips and the pre-embedded hooked steel bars are arranged in parallel.
[0020] Preferably, the circular holes in the inverted T-shaped wet joint are poured with UHPC to form a concrete tenon structure.
[0021] Preferably, the upper and lower pre-embedded perforated steel strips are connected by welding steel bars.
[0022] Preferably, the ends of the embedded perforated steel strips are welded to each other.
[0023] Preferably, the embedded perforated steel strips between adjacent precast UHPC slabs are arranged oppositely.
[0024] Preferably, the embedded hooked steel bars on adjacent precast UHPC slabs are arranged staggeredly.
[0025] Preferably, the concrete tenons in the circular holes and the circular holes jointly resist the longitudinal shear force and vertical separation force at the interface between the embedded perforated steel strip and the UHPC, so that the embedded perforated steel strip and the UHPC at the joint form an integral body.
[0026] Applying the technical solution of the present utility model has the following technical effects:
[0027] In the present utility model, circular holes are arranged at the ends of the embedded perforated steel strips to form concrete tenons after the cast-in-place UHPC inverted T-shaped wet joint. The concrete tenons in the holes and the steel plates between the holes jointly resist the longitudinal shear force and vertical separation force at the interface between the steel strip and the UHPC, so that the steel plate and the UHPC at the joint form an integral body, improving the tensile performance of the joint.
[0028] The present utility model adds embedded perforated steel strips in the precast UHPC slabs and connects them into an integral body through concrete tenons, which can prevent the corrosion of the embedded perforated steel strips, increase the tensile performance of the UHPC inverted T-shaped wet joint, solve the problem of easy cracking at the UHPC joint, improve the safety and durability of the precast UHPC components, and replace the chiseling, simplifying the existing construction process.
[0029] The present utility model adopts embedded perforated steel strips with welded ends, which is convenient for transportation and construction, reduces steel consumption, saves cost, and at the same time, the welded ends of the embedded perforated steel strips are convenient for precast construction.
[0030] The present utility model opens holes at one end of the embedded perforated steel strip, and concrete tenons are formed at the steel plate holes after the cast-in-place inverted T-shaped wet joint, increasing the integrity of the steel plate and the cast-in-place UHPC. At the same time, the concrete tenons replace the connectors welded at the ends of the steel plate, greatly simplifying the construction process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The specification drawings forming a part of this application are used to provide a further understanding of the present utility model. The schematic embodiments of the present utility model and their descriptions are used to explain the present utility model and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present utility model. In the drawings:
[0032] Figure 1 The structural schematic diagram of the UHPC slab inverted T-shaped wet joint strengthening structure with embedded perforated steel strips according to the present utility model is shown;
[0033] Figure 2 Shown isFigure 1 View of the perforated steel strip of the UHPC slab inverted T-shaped wet joint strengthening structure with embedded perforated steel strip
[0034] Figure 3 shows Figure 1 Top view of the UHPC slab inverted T-shaped wet joint strengthening structure with embedded perforated steel strip
[0035] Figure 4 shows Figure 1 Side view of the UHPC slab inverted T-shaped wet joint strengthening structure with embedded perforated steel strip
[0036] Among them, the above-mentioned drawings include the following reference numerals:
[0037] Prefabricated UHPC slab 1; Embedded perforated steel strip 2; Embedded hooked steel bar 3; Circular hole 4; Welded steel bar 5; UHPC step 6. Detailed implementation manners
[0038] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. The following will describe the present invention in detail with reference to the drawings and in combination with the embodiments.
[0039] As Figures 1 to 4 shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a UHPC slab inverted T-shaped wet joint strengthening structure with an embedded perforated steel strip, including: a prefabricated UHPC slab 1, the prefabricated UHPC slab 1 is provided with a UHPC step 6, and an inverted T-shaped wet joint is formed between adjacent prefabricated UHPC slabs 1; an embedded perforated steel strip 2, the embedded steel strip with holes is horizontally arranged in the inverted T-shaped wet joint, and a plurality of circular holes 4 are provided on the embedded perforated steel strip 2; an embedded hooked steel bar 3, the embedded hooked steel bar 3 is horizontally arranged in the inverted T-shaped wet joint; wherein, UHPC is poured in the inverted T-shaped wet joint.
[0040] In this embodiment, for the prefabricated UHPC slab 1, the prefabricated UHPC slab 1 is provided with a UHPC step 6, and an inverted T-shaped wet joint is formed between adjacent prefabricated UHPC slabs 1; UHPC is poured in the inverted T-shaped wet joint, and the circular holes 4 in the inverted T-shaped wet joint are poured with UHPC to form a concrete tenon structure. The embedded perforated steel strips 2 between adjacent prefabricated UHPC slabs 1 are arranged oppositely, the embedded hooked steel bars 3 on adjacent prefabricated UHPC slabs 1 are arranged staggeredly, the upper and lower embedded perforated steel strips 2 are arranged parallel and oppositely, and the upper and lower embedded perforated steel strips 2 are connected by welded steel bars 5, that is, the ends of the embedded perforated steel strips 2 are welded to each other by welded steel bars 5. The concrete tenon in the circular hole 4 and the circular hole 4 together resist the longitudinal shear force and vertical separation force at the interface between the embedded perforated steel strip 2 and the UHPC, so that the embedded perforated steel strip 2 and the UHPC at the joint form an integral body.
[0041] In this embodiment, a pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2 is provided. The pre-embedded steel strip with reinforcing bars is horizontally arranged in the inverted T-shaped wet joint. A number of circular holes 4 are provided on the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2. The upper and lower pre-embedded perforated steel strips 2 are arranged parallel to each other, and the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2 and the pre-embedded hooked steel bar 3 are arranged in parallel.
[0042] In this embodiment, one end of the precast UHPC slab 1 is provided with a pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2. The ends of adjacent pre-embedded perforated steel strips 2 are welded. The upper and lower pre-embedded perforated steel strips 2 are connected by welding steel bars 5. The circular holes 4 of the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2 form concrete tenons after the cast-in-place UHPC inverted T-shaped wet joint. The pre-embedded perforated steel strips 2 are arranged in strips. An inverted T-shaped joint is formed in the middle of the precast UHPC slab 1. After the UHPC is cast at the cast-in-place joint, the joint interface is staggered, which can prevent water from seeping in and improve the structural safety. Using the pre-embedded perforated steel strips 2 in strips reduces the consumption of steel and saves the cost. Setting the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2 in the middle of the UHPC slab can prevent the perforated steel strip from rusting and give full play to the tensile performance of the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2. The ends of the pre-embedded perforated steel strips 2 are welded to each other, which is convenient for the prefabrication and assembly of the UHPC slab and simplifies the construction.
[0043] In this embodiment, the upper and lower pre-embedded perforated steel strips 2 are connected by welding steel bars 5. For the welding steel bars 5, the steel bars are welded into the end holes of the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2, which can fix the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2 and the precast UHPC slab 1, prevent the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2 from being pulled out, further increase the integrity of the UHPC slab and the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2, and enhance the tensile performance of the inverted T-shaped wet joint.
[0044] In this embodiment, the bottom width b of the cast-in-place UHPC inverted T-shaped wet joint should be preferably 0.2 - 0.5 m. Specifically, the width at the joint should not be too narrow to ensure that the joint can give full play to its tensile performance, and the joint should not be too wide to ensure the construction quality and construction progress. The thickness of the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2 should not be less than 0.003 m. The thickness of the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2 should not be less than 0.003 m to avoid affecting the performance of the concrete between them, or causing the concrete tenon to be sheared off or the round holes of the steel plate to be damaged, and to ensure that the tensile performance of the pre-embedded perforated steel strip can be fully exerted. The pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2 is provided with circular holes 4, and the distance between adjacent circular holes 4 should not be less than 3 times the thickness of the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2. The distance between adjacent circular holes 4 should not be less than 3 times the thickness of the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2 to avoid affecting the tensile performance of the perforated steel strip or the shear performance of the concrete tenon.
[0045] In this embodiment, a circular hole 4 is provided at the end of the embedded perforated steel strip 2 to form a concrete tenon after the cast-in-place UHPC inverted T-shaped wet joint. The concrete tenon in the hole and the steel plate between the holes jointly resist the longitudinal shear force and vertical separation force at the interface between the steel strip and the UHPC, so that the steel plate and the UHPC at the joint form a whole, thereby improving the tensile performance of the joint.
[0046] In this embodiment, the embedded hook steel bar 3 is horizontally arranged in the inverted T-shaped wet joint, and one end of the embedded hook steel bar 3 is a hook-shaped structure.
[0047] In this embodiment, the prefabricated UHPC board 1 is pre-embedded with pre-embedded hook steel bars 3 extending in the direction of the inverted T-shaped wet joint of the cast-in-place UHPC, and a pair of pre-embedded hook steel bars 3 in the prefabricated UHPC board 1 are arranged in a staggered manner. The pre-embedded hook steel bars 3 set the steel bars in a hook shape, which can enhance the bonding performance between UHPC and steel bars, prevent the steel bars from being pulled out, and play a hooking effect. The spacing between adjacent pre-embedded hook steel bars 3 should not be less than 5 times the diameter of the pre-embedded hook steel bars 3, and the extended lap length of the pre-embedded hook steel bars 3 at both ends should not be less than 15 times the diameter of the pre-embedded hook steel bars 3. The spacing between adjacent pre-embedded hook steel bars 3 should not be less than 5 times the diameter of the steel bars to ensure uniform casting of UHPC, and the extended lap length of the pre-embedded hook steel bars 3 should not be less than 15 times the diameter of the pre-embedded hook steel bars 3 to avoid the hook steel bars being pulled out in the concrete when the UHPC board is subjected to force, so as to ensure that the tensile performance of the hook steel bars is fully exerted.
[0048] Specifically, the UHPC plate inverted T-shaped wet joint reinforcement structure of the embedded perforated steel strips 2 in this embodiment includes a pair of prefabricated UHPC plates 1, embedded perforated steel strips 2 and embedded hook steel bars 3. The prefabricated UHPC plate 1 is provided with an embedded perforated steel strip 2 at one end, and the ends of the adjacent embedded perforated steel strips 2 are welded, and the upper and lower embedded perforated steel strips 2 are connected by welded steel bars 5. The holes of the embedded perforated steel strips 2 form concrete tenons after the cast-in-place UHPC inverted T-shaped wet joint. One end of the embedded perforated steel strips 2 is provided with welded steel bars 5, and the diameter of the steel bars is 0.008m. A pair of pre-embedded perforated steel strips 2 are fixed to the prefabricated UHPC plate 1 by welded steel bars 5. The holes at the ends of the embedded perforated steel strips 2 have a diameter of 0.008m, and embedded steel bars are welded on them. The perforated steel strips are fixed to the prefabricated UHPC plate 1 by welded steel bars 5. As Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4, in the precast UHPC slab 1, there is a pre-embedded hooked steel bar 3 extending towards the cast-in-place UHPC inverted T-shaped wet joint. The diameter is 0.014m, and the pre-embedded hooked steel bars 3 in a pair of precast UHPC slabs 1 are arranged staggeredly. The spacing between adjacent pre-embedded hooked steel bars 33 is 0.08m, which should not be less than 5 times the diameter of the steel bar. The extension lap length of the pre-embedded hooked steel bar 33 is 0.23m, which is not less than 15 times the diameter of the pre-embedded hooked steel bar 33. The bottom width b of the cast-in-place UHPC inverted T-shaped wet joint is 0.3m. The thickness of the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 22 is 0.004m. There are circular holes 4 at the end of the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 22 protruding from the steel plate, and the spacing between adjacent circular holes 4 is 0.027m.
[0049] Since the inverted T shape is prone to downward movement, the stability is ensured by horizontally setting the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2 and the pre-embedded hooked steel bar 3.
[0050] The construction method of the UHPC slab inverted T-shaped wet joint strengthening structure with the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2 in this embodiment includes the following steps:
[0051] S1. Precast the UHPC slab 1 with the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2 in the factory.
[0052] The specific steps are as follows:
[0053] S1.1: Configure the mold on the workbench according to the design requirements, and at the same time process the pre-embedded strengthening steel strip according to the design requirements.
[0054] S1.2: Drill holes on the pre-embedded strengthening steel strip according to the design requirements to form the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2, set the welding steel bar 5, and bind the steel cage, and assemble them together.
[0055] S1.3: Pour the ultra-high performance concrete for the precast UHPC slab 1 part and carry out curing.
[0056] S1.4: After the curing is completed, remove the mold to form the precast UHPC beam slab.
[0057] S2. Erect the precast UHPC slabs 1 in relative positions, arrange the pre-embedded hooked steel bars 3 staggeredly, and arrange the pre-embedded perforated steel strips 2 relatively to form the cast-in-place area of the UHPC inverted T-shaped wet joint.
[0058] S3. Weld the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2 and cast in place the UHPC inverted T-shaped wet joint.
[0059] S4. Cure the cast-in-place UHPC, and after reaching the design strength, form the inverted T-shaped wet joint strengthening structure with the pre-embedded perforated steel strip 2.
[0060] From the above description, it can be seen that the above embodiments of the present utility model achieve the following technical effects:
[0061] In the present utility model, circular holes 4 are provided at the end of the embedded perforated steel strip 2, and after the cast-in-place UHPC inverted T-shaped wet joint is formed, concrete tenons are formed. The longitudinal shear force and vertical separation force at the interface between the steel strip and the UHPC are jointly resisted by the concrete tenons in the holes and the steel plate between the holes, so that the steel plate and the UHPC at the joint form an integral body, improving the tensile performance of the joint.
[0062] The present utility model adds an embedded perforated steel strip 2 in the precast UHPC slab 1, and is connected into an integral body through concrete tenons, which can prevent the corrosion of the embedded perforated steel strip 2, increase the tensile performance of the UHPC inverted T-shaped wet joint, solve the problem of easy cracking at the UHPC joint, improve the safety and durability of the precast UHPC component, and replace the chiseling, simplifying the existing construction process.
[0063] The present utility model adopts an embedded perforated steel strip 2 with welded ends, which is convenient for transportation and construction, reduces the consumption of steel, saves the cost, and at the same time, the ends of the embedded perforated steel strip 2 are welded, which is convenient for precast construction.
[0064] In the present utility model, one end of the embedded perforated steel strip 2 is opened, and after the cast-in-place inverted T-shaped wet joint is formed, a concrete tenon is formed at the steel plate hole, increasing the integrity of the steel plate and the cast-in-place UHPC. At the same time, the concrete tenon replaces the connecting piece welded at the end of the steel plate, greatly simplifying the construction process.
[0065] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not used to limit the present utility model. For those skilled in the art, the present utility model can have various changes and modifications. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A UHPC plate inverted T-shaped wet joint reinforcement structure with pre-embedded perforated steel strips, characterized in that: include: Prefabricated UHPC panels, wherein the prefabricated UHPC panels are provided with UHPC steps, and inverted T-shaped wet joints are formed between adjacent prefabricated UHPC panels; Pre-buried steel strips with holes, the pre-buried steel strips with holes are horizontally arranged in an inverted T-shaped wet joint, and the pre-buried steel strips with holes are provided with a plurality of circular holes; Pre-embedded hook steel bars, wherein the pre-embedded hook steel bars are horizontally arranged in an inverted T-shaped wet joint; Among them, UHPC is poured in the inverted T-shaped wet joint.
2. The UHPC plate inverted T-shaped wet joint reinforcement structure with embedded perforated steel strips as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the embedded hook steel bar is in a hook-shaped structure.
3. The UHPC plate inverted T-shaped wet joint reinforcement structure with embedded perforated steel strips according to claim 1, characterized in that: The embedded perforated steel strips are arranged parallel to each other up and down.
4. The UHPC plate inverted T-shaped wet joint reinforcement structure with pre-embedded perforated steel strips as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The pre-buried perforated steel strips and the pre-buried bent hook steel bars are arranged in parallel.
5. The UHPC plate inverted T-shaped wet joint reinforcement structure with embedded perforated steel strips according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circular holes in the inverted T-shaped wet joints are filled with UHPC to form a concrete tenon structure.
6. The UHPC plate inverted T-shaped wet joint reinforcement structure with embedded perforated steel strips as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The upper and lower embedded perforated steel strips are connected by welded steel bars.
7. The UHPC plate inverted T-shaped wet joint reinforcement structure with pre-embedded perforated steel strips as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The ends of the embedded perforated steel strips are welded to each other.
8. The UHPC plate inverted T-shaped wet joint reinforcement structure with pre-embedded perforated steel strips as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The embedded perforated steel strips between adjacent prefabricated UHPC panels are arranged relative to each other.
9. The UHPC plate inverted T-shaped wet joint reinforcement structure with pre-embedded perforated steel strips as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The embedded hook steel bars on adjacent prefabricated UHPC panels are staggered.
10. The UHPC plate inverted T-shaped wet joint reinforcement structure with pre-embedded perforated steel strips according to claim 1, characterized in that: The concrete tenons in the circular holes and the circular holes jointly resist the longitudinal shear force and vertical separation force at the interface between the embedded perforated steel slats and the UHPC, so that the embedded perforated steel slats and the UHPC at the joints form a whole.