Title: Ductile Beam-Column Connection in Precast Concrete

Author(s): S. U. Pillai and D. W. Kirk

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 78

Issue: 6

Appears on pages(s): 480-487

Keywords: beam-column frame; beams (supports); buildings; columns (supports);connections; ductility; earthquake resistant structures; joints (junc-tions);loads (forces); moments; precast concrete; reinforced concrete;strength; structural design; tests.

DOI: 10.14359/10926

Date: 11/1/1981

Abstract:
The current specifications for detailing earthquake resistant reinforced concrete buildings require the structures to resist the induced forces in a ductile manner. In space frames, this demands that the beam-column connections be designed as a ductile, moment-resistant connection. This requirement has severely limited the use of precast concrete construction in seismic zones. This program was undertaken to develop a satisfactory ductile, moment-resistant beam-to-column connection to be used in earthquake resistant buildings with precast reinforced concrete construction. A satisfactory design for such a connection was developed and the performance of the connection experimentally investigated. A total of 11 tests were conducted on full scale beam-column connections, including two monolithic specimens for purposes of comparison. The test results indicated that the proposed method of connection developed adequate strength, stiffness, and ductility to be classified as a ductile, moment-resistant connection in the context of seismic design.