SEISMIC PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF PRECAST RC FRAME WITH SEMI-RIGID CONNECTIONS

Abstract

Beam-column connections play a crucial role in ensuring the seismic response and resiliency of Precast Moment Resisting Frames (PMRFs). Extensive damage to precast buildings was observed during past earthquakes. Advancements in dry precast beam-column connections over the last decade assured earthquake-resistant and resilient precast MR frames. Precast concrete frames with semi-rigid connections are cost-effective as compared to conventional rigid frames. The objective of the present study is to investigate the mechanics of load transfer in existing dry precast beam-column connections and evaluate the existing detailing of these connections. The objective is to design semi-rigid connections for precast reinforced concrete (RC) frames using both the force-based method and the direct displacement-based design (DDBD) method. These connections will replace rigid connections in the semi-rigid frames. Additionally, we aim to evaluate the performance of the frame using the connections designed by the DDBD method and the force-based method. The evaluation of the semi-rigid precast RC frames with these connections will be conducted using two procedures: a non-linear static procedure known as pushover analysis and a non-linear dynamic procedure called non-linear time history analysis (NLTHA)