Experimental study and associated mechanism analysis of horizontal bolted connections involved in a precast concrete shear wall system

Abstract

This paper is concerned about the lateral load response and associated working mechanism of a precast reinforced concrete shear wall involving horizontal connections. An assembling method is proposed using dry connection through a horizontal steel connector (H-connector) and high strength bolts. To investigate the effectiveness of such an assembling method, two identical wall-connector assembly specimens have been constructed and tested under monotonic loading and cyclic loading, respectively, while subjected to a constant vertical compression. The test results showed that the performance of the shear wall assembly was generally satisfactory in terms of ensuring the full development of the shear wall strength and ductility. To assist in the interpretation of the experimental results and enable further study on the design approach, a detailed mechanism analysis has been subsequently conducted. The stress in H-connector flange and shear force transferred through each high strength bolt has been deduced on the basis of mechanism analysis. The further sliding analysis within the bolted connections agrees well with the experimental results and therefore confirms the derived formulae for H-connector and high strength bolt.high-strength bolt, horizontal steel connector, precast shear wall, relative sliding, working mechanism 1 | INTRODUCTION Precast reinforced concrete (RC) construction is common in many parts of the world. Typically, it involves the mass production of repetitive and often standardized units, namely columns, beams, floor, and roof elements, and wall panels. Advantages of precast construction include less labor cost and shorter construction time, as well as better quality control. Precast RC structures with special detailing and treatment at the connections are also popular in seismic regions, and lessons are continuously being learned. 1 However, comparing with other precast components, precast RC shear wall is relatively under-developed, and this has become a bottleneck problem in the precast construction of medium to high rise buildings in seismic regions.As it is well known, shear wall is an essential structural member to resist lateral seismic loading in high rise buildings. 2 Due to the need of maintaining high lateral stiffness and resistance, precast RC shear wall poses particular challenges to the assembling techniques. Although there has not been a well-established approach, researchers worldwide have carried out investigations on various kinds of prefabricated RC shear walls. In general, the assembling approaches adopted in these RC shear walls can be classified broadly into two main categories, namely "dry" and "wet" methods.A series of experimental and analytical studies were performed on the unbonded posttensioned (UPT) precast concrete wall system. 3-6 The UPT system is normally Discussion on this paper must be submitted within two months of the print publication. The discussion will then be published in print, along with the authors' closure, if any, approximately nine months after the pr...

Precast reinforced concrete shear walls: State of the art review

“…Several connection systems have been experimentally and analytically investigated by the researchers worldwide. These include steel H connector, friction based devices, threaded anchors, vertical seam, joint connecting beam, dowel bars, O‐connectors, loop bar connection, steel angle and splice sleeve connection, multiple shear keys, vertical interlocking joint (PCI MNL 123–88). However, most of these connections require more investigations and are seldom used in construction industry.…”

“…The system demonstrated low energy dissipation, strength deterioration, and stiffness degradation . Precast walls connected with H connector and steel bolts having high strength performed satisfactorily with favorable deformation characteristics under monotonic and cyclic loading . Bora et al developed a slotted‐bolted mechanical connection for joining precast hollow core wall with the floor slab.…”

“…52 Precast walls connected with H connector and FIGURE 11 Sleeve with infusion pipe 62 FIGURE 12 Vertical interlocking in mutually perpendicular precast reinforced concrete (RC) walls (PCI MNL 123-88) FIGURE 13 Precast reinforced concrete (RC) wall panel connected with steel plate and anchor steel bolts having high strength performed satisfactorily with favorable deformation characteristics under monotonic and cyclic loading. 50 Bora et al 66 developed a slotted-bolted mechanical connection for joining precast hollow core wall with the floor slab. The system performed well with high energy dissipating capacity and ductility.…”

Verification of structural performance of connections between reinforced concrete shear walls and outriggers in high‐rise buildings

“…The effect of horizontally bolted connections on a precast concrete shear wall system has been investigated, and it has been confirmed that the ductility capacity was sufficient at the joints of the system through monotonic and cyclic material loading. Based on the experimental results, a new design approach was proposed …”

“…Based on the experimental results, a new design approach was proposed. 35 The structural performance tests on shear studs can be classified into pull-out and push-out tests, depending on the direction of the load applied to the concrete specimen. A compressive load is applied to the support of the concrete structure during a push-out test, whereas a tensile load is applied during a pull-out test.…”