Development of a monolithic-like precast beam-column moment connection: Experimental and analytical investigation

This study aims to develop a novel monolithic-like precast beam-column connection for reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The proposed connection system has several advantages such as rapid assembly and disassembly, reusability, and replaceability if damaged during an earthquake event. An experimental investigation was first carried out to determine the seismic performance of the proposed connections. In total, six full-scale precast and monolithic T-shape beam-column connection specimens with different reinforcement ratios, specimen dimensions and detailing were tested under displacement controlled cyclic loading, while the axial load on the column was kept constant. The cyclic behaviour, curvature distribution, failure mode, energy dissipation capacity and ductility of the specimens were obtained using the experimental outputs. Detailed non-linear finite element (FE) models were then developed using ABAQUS. It is shown that the FE models can accurately predict the overall performance of the precast connections in terms of initial stiffness, lateral load-bearing capacity and post-peak behaviour. The results indicate that, in general, the precast connections exhibited considerably higher (up to 34%) ductility and ultimate drift ratio (deformability) compared to similar monolithic connections. For the same drift ratio, monolithic connections exhibited slightly higher (on average 10%) energy dissipation capacity, while the precast connections generally dissipated higher energy at their ultimate point (post-peak lateral drift corresponding to 15% loss in lateral strength). It is demonstrated that the monolithic-like precast connections can satisfy the ACI 318-14 acceptance criteria, while they also sustain the ASCE 41-17 Collapse Prevention (CP) limits. Therefore, the proposed connection system is considered to be suitable for RC structures in seismic regions.