Seismic behavior of innovative precast hybrid steel reinforced concrete beam-column connections

This study proposed an innovative partially precast steel reinforced concrete (PPSRC) beam-column connection and experimentally investigated its seismic performance. Four full-scale specimens were designed and tested under cyclic loads. Test parameters are axial compression ratio, concrete type (ordinary concrete or steel-fiber reinforced concrete), and connection type (monolithically cast or precast). Test results were discussed and evaluated, including failure modes, strength, stiffness, degradation, energy dissipation, and ductility. The results showed that the proposed connection effectively shifted the plastic hinge location away from the joint interface by longitudinal bar cut-offs. This type of connection exhibited higher strength, better ductility, and greater energy dissipation capacity compared with the moronically-cast connection. The addition of steel fibers effec-tively controlled crack propagation and enhanced connection performance, while increase in axial load increased the brittleness of the joint.