Experimental study on replaceable precast concrete beam-column connections

The purpose of this study was to develop a system capable of restoring the seismic performance of a precast concrete (PC) connection damaged by an earthquake. The developed PC connection consists of a top-and-seat angle, post-tensioning (PT) tendons, and U-shaped steel. The PC beam can be replaced by cutting the PT tendons in the event of damage. In addition, the seismic performance of the developed PC beam-column connection was evaluated experimentally. A PC beam-column connection specimen was fabricated, and a quasistatic cyclic loading test was conducted to a maximum drift ratio of 2.3%. Subsequently, the PC beam was replaced by a new PC beam, and the repaired PC connection was loaded to a maximum drift ratio of 5.1%. The structural performance of the repaired PC connection was then compared with that of the original PC connection. The difference in the load at the drift ratio of 2.3% between the original and the repaired PC specimens was only 0.2%. The residual drift ratio in the repaired PC specimen did not exceed 1.0% at the 2.0 % drift ratio cycles, which satisfies the life safety performance level specified in ACI 374.2R-13. When the developed PC connection system is used, structural performance can be restored by rapidly replacing the damaged elements.