Experimental Study of Cold Joint Performance in a Scaled Fiber-Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete Diaphragm Wall Model Using: Effects of Geometric Profiles and Chemical Treatments

Rana F. Yousef; Haitham H. Muteb; Ahmed Al-JanabI

doi:10.2478/cee-2026-0099

Experimental Study of Cold Joint Performance in a Scaled Fiber-Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete Diaphragm Wall Model Using: Effects of Geometric Profiles and Chemical Treatments

Civil and Environmental Engineering

AHEAD OF PRINT

By: Rana F. Yousef, Haitham H. Muteb and Ahmed Al-JanabI

Open Access

|Apr 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of longitudinal cold joints on the structural performance of self-compacting concrete diaphragm walls reinforced with polypropylene fibers. Experimental quasi-static four-point bending tests were conducted on eight small-scale specimens (60 * 900 * 2600)mm to evaluate various joint configurations: flat (reference), keyed, trapezoidal, triangular, and semi-circular geometries, alongside chemical treatments (epoxy bonding) and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) shear pocket retrofitting. The instrumentation strategy utilized five strategically positioned strain gauges and a mid-span LVDT to capture localized deformation patterns at the interface and monitor vertical deflection. This setup enabled a comprehensive analysis of stiffness, ductility, and post-cracking response, providing insights into how interfacial treatments alter failure modes compared to the control. Results demonstrate that joint geometry and chemical treatments fundamentally redefine load-transfer mechanisms. The UHPC-filled shear pockets achieved the most significant performance enhancement, yielding a 29% increase in ultimate load through high-strength dowel action and the activation of a compression strut mechanism. Geometrically, triangular profiles maximized load capacity by 40% but exhibited brittle failure, whereas semi-circular joints provided superior ductility and optimized stress distribution via a hinge-like response. Furthermore, epoxy bonding enhanced interfacial shear resistance while preserving yield characteristics. The findings highlight a critical trade-off between strength and ductility; specifically, trapezoidal and keyed joints effectively restricted transverse dilation. Ultimately, advanced configurations (UHPC and semi-circular) ensured structural continuity by shielding the central wall region and inhibiting crack propagation from lateral panels.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/cee-2026-0099 | Journal eISSN: 2199-6512 (formerly 1336-5835) | Journal ISSN: 1336-5835

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Language: English

Submitted on: Feb 10, 2026

Accepted on: Feb 28, 2026

Published on: Apr 24, 2026

Published by: University of Žilina

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: 4 issues per year

Keywords:

Small-scale diaphragm walls,

Lateral displacement,

Interface Shear Resistance,

Cold joints’ shape,

Chemical Treatments of cold joints,

Ductility

Related subjects:

Business and economics,

Business management,

Industries,

Environmental management

© 2026 Rana F. Yousef, Haitham H. Muteb, Ahmed Al-JanabI, published by University of Žilina
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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