FULL SCALE EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH ON STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE OF PC-S STRUCTURAL JOINT METHOD

Authors present the results of the full-scale tests on “PC-S post-tensioned joint construction method” as an earthquake resistant precast column-steel beam joint that enables easier and faster application possibilities compared to alternative methods. In the PC-S method, RC columns are connected with steel beams that implement double end-plates, concrete infill between end-plates and post tension application for the column-beam joint, instead of embedding the beams in the column. PC-S joint construction method is intending to increase the strength of the beam-end by placing a concrete filling between the double plates at the steel beam-end. Contrary to the ordinary applications, in the proposed method post-tensioning is applied to a level where further elastic elongation of the strands are possible. In previous research regarding the PC-S method, 1/3 scale specimens were tested. This time, experiments were carried out on 2 full-scale specimens with different post-tensioning levels, to confirm the deformation performance of the steel beam and the deformation capacity of the column-beam joint. Cyclic loading tests were performed on specimens with proposed PC-S joint details and pre-stressing conditions. The experimental work also aims to find practical solutions for an actual construction with proposed method as the full-scale construction brings challenges on the welding work and installation accuracy. It was shown that structural performance was not affected by scale, meanwhile, the yielding behavior of the proposed joint can be set during design and target strength levels are exceeded.