Experimental and numerical study of a proposed moment-resisting connection for precast concrete frames

This paper presents the test results of a proposed ductile moment-resisting beam-column connection for precast concrete frames and a developed 3D nonlinear finite-element model of this connection featuring several different details to predict its behavior under cyclic loading based on the loading of ACI T1.1-01. In this connection, precast concrete beam and column are connected to each other by steel linkage element. This method is able to create concrete structures of higher quality by minimizing in-situ concreting, maximizing the speed of construction, and using ductile and exchangeable elements in sensible locations of the connection. Two types of bolted and welded connections were compared with the monolithic connection in terms of stiffness, strength, energy dissipation capacity, and ductility factor. All specimens satisfied all criteria of ACI T1.1-01. To investigate the behavior of these connections, a 3D nonlinear finite-element model was simulated. Numerical results showed good agreement with experimental results. The initial stiffness of monolithic connection specimen was greater than that of bolted connection and welded connection specimens. Even though the beam's moment capacity of the two welded and bolted samples was slightly more than that of monolithic sample, the ductility factors in these samples were slightly less than those in monolithic sample. (C) 2018 Sharif University of Technology. All rights reserved.