Research on seismic performance of replaceable prefabricated RC beam-column joints

Based on the seismic design philosophy of recoverable functionality, this paper proposed a prefabricated concrete beam-column joint utilizing replaceable friction energy dissipation artificial plastic hinges (FAPH) as connecting devices. The connecting device comprised a pair of lugs and high-strength pins. This study analyzed the failure modes and hysteresis characteristics through cyclic loading tests performed on the precast beam-column joints. The results showed that the FAPH had a high peak capacity. However, the yield load was low, which reduced the energy-dissipation capacity of joints at the early stage. Therefore, lateral energy dissipation steel plates (EDPs) were added on both sides of the PAPH to improve bearing capacity. Then, utilizing ABAQUS finite element software, the mechanical behaviors of the optimized prefabricated joint such as the load-displacement curve, bearing capacity, ductility, and energy dissipation capacity were further analyzed. This paper also investigated the effect of the axial compression ratio, the friction coefficient, bolt preload, and connecting plate form of EDPs on the seismic capacity of the optimized joint. After optimization, the prefabricated joint exhibited a significant improvement in both yield capacity and cumulative energy dissipation, increasing by 47 % and 22 %, respectively. Additionally, there was a slight improvement in ductility. Increasing the axial compression ratio reduced the bearing capacity and ductility of prefabricated joints after the peak point. The specimen exhibited a significant increase in both peak capacity and cumulative energy dissipation as the friction coefficient increased. Additionally, the hysteresis curve of the joint became fuller with the increase in bolt preload. The connecting plates of EDPs mainly serve to transmit loads, and different forms of connecting plates had little effect on the bearing capacity and energy dissipation capacity of prefabricated joints.