Response of the grouted vertical connectors was similar to the bond response of reinforcing bars in confined concrete. After the adhesion between the grout and the connector is lost, the ribs in the connector begin to bear on the grout. Slip of the connector occurs by progressive crushing of the grout in front of the ribs and splitting cracks appear in the grout surrounding the connector. Due to the confinement provided by the duct (both galvanized steel and plastic), these cracks had essentially no impact on the stiffness of the connectors. Increasing the applied tensile load distributes the bond stresses deeper along the connector, which engages additional ribs. Additional splitting cracks form along the connector and the cracks extend into the surrounding concrete.