Title: Seismic Performance of Precast Concrete Columns with Improved U-type Reinforcement Ferrule Connections

Author(s): Zhiwu Yu, Xiaoyong Lv, Yujie Yu, Faxing Ding and Xiaodan Peng

Publication: IJCSM

Volume: 13

Issue:

Appears on pages(s):

Keywords: U-type longitudinal reinforcement ferrule connections, prefabricated concrete column, lateral resistance, seismic behavior, finite element analysis

DOI: 10.1186/s40069-019-0368-6

Date: 11/30/2019

Abstract:
This paper proposes a new kind of U-type reinforcement ferrule (URF) connection for the assembly of precast concrete(PC) components, which has a good fault-tolerance ability and low cost of construction with a simple postgroutingprocess. The modified connection features welded U ferrules, which can increase the bonding mechanismand internal stress transmission in the spliced region. A series of quasi-static cyclic tests were performed onURF-connected PC columns with different welding patterns. Comprehensive comparisons were performed on theload-bearing capacity, the plastic energy dissipation ability, the internal force transmission, the column ductility andthe stiffness. The results indicated that PC columns with welded URF connections can ensure better lateral resistancethan the cast-in-place concrete column. The weld type and length influence the connection performance, and the15d-welded and full-length welded URF connections presented better connection performance and were suggestedfor the assembly of PC columns. Then, finite element analyses were performed to further reveal the working andfailure mechanisms and the affecting mechanism of some working parameters. Parametric simulations indicated thatthe increase in the axial load ratio and the concrete strength in the postcast region had a slight but limited effect onimproving the lateral resistance of the column connection.