Tests on precast concrete frames with connections constructed away from column faces.

Abstract

A modified assembled configuration is introduced for precast

concrete frames in which the connections are constructed on the

beam span and kept away from the column faces so as to avoid

coinciding with the plastic hinge regions during seismic excitations.

An experimental study on the seismic performances of two fullscale

precast concrete subframes adopting the aforementioned

configuration and a monolithically-cast subframe subjected to

quasistatic simulated seismic loading is presented. The variable

examined was the connection detail. The performances of the

precast concrete frames are evaluated on the basis of ductility, energy

dissipation capacity, connection strength, and drift capacity. Based

on the test results, the precast concrete frames are capable of

matching overall performance of the monolithic connections and

thereby providing moment-resisting behavior.