EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF PRECAST CONCRETE BEAM TO COLUMN CONNECTIONS SUBJECTED TO REVERSED CYCLIC LOADS

Abstract

Two types of precast and one type of monolithic full scale beam-column connections are tested<br><br>under reversed cyclic loads. Both of the precast concrete connections tested were cast in place,<br><br>but with different connection details, namely straight spliced (PC1) and U-shaped (PC2). The<br><br>straight spliced and U-shaped connections were located in the beam and column of the precast<br><br>concrete subassemblies. Hysteresis response, strength, stiffness, damping and energy dissipation<br><br>of monolithic and precast connections were studied and then compared together. Monolithic<br><br>specimen (MO) indicated a good behavior in terms of integrated seismic parameters. The<br><br>experimental results shows that Specimen PC1 in which the top and bottom reinforcement are<br><br>continued by lap splicing treated a good behavior very similar and closed to those of control<br><br>monolithic specimen and preformed very good based on seismic demand. The behavior of<br><br>Specimen PC2 that U-shaped rebars were used in its connection was not satisfactory in<br><br>comparison with other specimens. Some shear deteriorations observed in both PC1 and PC2<br><br>connections. As conclusion, connections PC1 and PC2 are suggested in precast moment<br><br>resisting frames with moderate ductility located in high seismic zones. However, some essential<br><br>practice-oriented modifications are required.