Abstract
The robustness of precast concrete structures is primarily governed by connections between the precast structural components. Joint connections deliver a vital role in load transfer, restraining movement, and providing stability at local and global level. This calls for appropriate connection mechanism for precast elements providing integrity under different loading conditions and ease of construction. The connection details in literature or available in practice have been rarely evaluated. This paper discusses the numerical modelling of precast reinforced concrete structural wall-column with different joint connection systems and evaluates various seismic design parameters, simulated through in-plane lateral loading in a finite element software. The connection systems evaluated are reinforcement bar connection, headed bar connections, U-bar connection and steel wire loop connection, which are subsequently compared with a cast-in-situ reinforced concrete wall-column model having similar material and geometrical properties. The seismic behaviour of connections have been studied with regards to the damage pattern, stresses, lateral load capacity, base shear coefficient, stiffness, deformation characteristics, strength factors, and damage index. Among all the connection systems, U-bar connection and loop connection using steel wire ropes showed stresses within the yield limit, while other connection systems reached their yield capacity, indicating damage. Apparently, steel wire loop connection is found to be effective in transfer of lateral load between the precast reinforced concrete elements, as observed from the numerical analysis; whereas other connection systems yielded prior to the design load. However, all connections except the reinforcement bar connection surpassed design load prior to the peak limit.
