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 developed3D nonlinear finite element model of this connection in several different details of connection, to predict its behavior under cyclic loading, based on the loading of the 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 with higher quality through minimizing in-situ concreting and maximizing the speed of construction as well as usage of ductile and exchangeable elements in sensible locations of the connection. Two types of bolted and welded connections were compared to 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 has been simulated. Numerical results showed a good agreementwith experimental results. The initial stiffness of monolithic connectionspecimen wasgreater thanboltedconnection and welded connectionspecimens.Even though, the beam moment capacity factors for two welded and bolted samples were a little more than monolithic sample; but the ductility factors of these samples were a little less than that of monolithic sample.