Behavioural characteristics of precast beam to column connections

Abstract

In a precast concrete construction, beam to column connections can affect the strength, stability and rigidity of the overall structure. even though, many laboratory testings have been carried out on beam to column connections, these laboratory results have yet to be verified and validated. Therefore, numerical analysis based on the Finite element Method is conducted to verify and validate some of the laboratory results. In this study, experimental results from the works conducted at the Faculty of Civil engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia are modelled using a finite element analysis software called LUSAS. A total of four specimens have been modelled and analysed linearly. The specimens constitute of precast reinforced concrete column and beam connected using corbel. From the finite element analysis, the load-displacement relationship, moment-rotation relationship and shape of deformation are obtained. Subsequently, the behaviour of the precast result is made. In addition, the effects of structural members design parameters modification on the behaviour of precast concrete beam to column connections are also studied. In conclusion, it is found out that the results from the numerical analysis are in good agreement with the experimental results. Moreover, the introduction of modification on the structural member design parameters significantly enhances the resistance of the connections.