Experimental study on exterior precast concrete beam-to-CECFST column joints with wet connections under cyclic loading

Abstract

Concrete-encased concrete-filled steel tube (CECFST) structural system has gained popularity in recent years due to its several advantages over conventional structures. Additionally, precast technology has become an effective way of improving construction efficiency and environmental performance. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the structural behaviour of precast concrete (PC) beam-to-CECFST column joints to ensure their optimal performance in applications. In this regard, this paper presents an experimental study of 4 precast exterior joints subjected to lateral cyclic loading. The study investigated the effect of replacing normal concrete with steel fibre-reinforced concrete at the joint region and the presence of axial load on PC composite joints. Based on the test results, cyclic load-carrying resistance, failure modes and crack patterns of the PC specimens were recorded and analysed. In addition, a Digital Image Correlation (DIC) system was adopted to show the crack evolution of joint specimens and calculate shear strains of concrete encasement at the joint region. Further comparisons were conducted in terms of ductility, energy dissipation, stiffness and strength degradation to investigate the joint performance. Finally, existing American and European design code provisions were modified and used to predict joint shear strength. Their predictions were reasonably close to the test results.