A novel erection technique of the L-shaped precast frames utilizing laminated metal plates

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to demonstrate an erection of the irregular L-shaped precast frames utilizing rigid mechanical joints. Precast columns of L-shaped sections were introduced to replace rectangular columns, which do not fit inside corners; sections are preferred by architects because of their architectural flexibility at the corners of walls. The mechanical connections of steel-concrete composite precast columns were developed using irregular shaped pair of steel plates; each plate was installed at the bottom of the upper columns and on the top of the lower columns. These were then inter-connected via bolts, providing a flexural capacity that was similar to that of conventional monolithic column connections. Column rebars were spliced through metal plates. The columns and beams were also assembled into frames by extended endplates, which were, subsequently, prefabricated with precast beams. An extensive erection test of a full-scale precast frame was performed, demonstrating the efficient and effortless erection of the proposed method. The construction time compared with conventional monolithic assembly was substantially reduced, leading to a corresponding reduction in construction costs. Numerical investigation of the proposed frames was also conducted to verify the structural performance, demonstrating predictable and stable nonlinear structural behavior of the mechanical joints.