Improving the performance of precast concrete beam-to-beam connection with inadequate lap length

Abstract

This paper reports on a feasibility study of different types of precast concrete beam-to-beam connections under inadequate lap length. The aim of the study is to develop a beam-to-beam connection, which is able to produce comparable bond strength with the conventional lapping system although the anchorage length is inadequate. A total of six connections were tested for a preliminary study in Phase I. Then, the connection that gave the best performance was selected as the proposed beam-to-beam connection for further study in Phase II. In the studies, steel plates, bolts and nuts system and welding technique were used to enhance the performance of the anchorage system. The welded end plate connection system shows a satisfactory result as it significantly increases the bearing capacity of bars to resist the slippage between reinforcement and concrete. Several unsatisfactorily connections, however, still show potentials of reaching the required loading capacity. Therefore, modification and improvement can be made to improve their performances.