Seismic connection performance of precast all-lightweight aggregate concrete shear walls

This study investigated the ductile behavior of the seismic connection performance in precast alllightweight aggregate concrete shear walls (PALSWs) connected using the bolting technique developed by Yang et al. or the conventional spliced sleeve technique. The ductile behavior of the seismic connection performance was verified in PALSWs designed with different yield strengths (fy) of the longitudinal reinforcing bar and amounts (Ash) of transverse reinforcement, which are major factors affecting the ductility of shear walls. Eight PALSW specimens were prepared and tested under constant axial and cyclic lateral loads. The test results showed that the bolting technique developed by Yang et al.was favorable to achieve higher ductility in PALSW specimens than the conventional spliced sleeve technique, indicating that the displacement ductility ratio (mu Delta) and work damage index (W80) of the PALSW specimens connected using the bolting technique were approximately 1.37 and 1.72 times higher, respectively, than those of the companion specimens connected using the conventional spliced sleeve technique. However, despite using the bolting technique, the PALSW specimens designed with the minimum required amount (Ashm) of transverse reinforcement at the boundary element specified in ACI 318-19 and the fy value of 600 MPa showed a tendency of brittle seismic connection performance. Consequently, these specimens did not satisfy the seismic connection performance requirements specified in ACI ITG 5.1-07 and AIJ. Therefore, to achieve a high ductility of PALSW and satisfy the requirements based on the emulation evaluation concept specified in ACI ITG-5.1-07 and AIJ, PALSWs recommends the use of the bolting technique developed by Yang et al. and a design with Ash of 1.5 Ashm or more, and fy of no more than 400 MPa.