Evaluation of Ductility of Precast Column Foundation Connections

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate and compare the ductility performance of precast column foundation connection using the method proposed by Park and ASCE 31-03. Methods: Strength and ductility are the most important parameters to resist earthquake forces for the overall safety of a structure. Evaluating ductility from experiments is a cumbersome process. From the experimentally obtained load-displacement envelope, the ductility was evaluated for four specimens of precast column foundation connection by the method proposed by Park and Paulay (1989) and ASCE 31-03. The results were also compared with monolithic specimen. Each of the specimen was subjected to displacement-controlled lateral cyclic loading. The maximum displacement was maintained at 40 mm due to laboratory constraints. Findings: From the evaluated results, ASCE 31- 03 gives better values of ductility than the method proposed by Park. The calculated ductility by ASCE 31-03 were 31.5 %, 41.07 %, 72.7%, 68.3% and 48.9 % higher for monolithic specimen, PCBJ, PC I, PC II and GS specimen respectively. Novelty: The present study reveals the best-suited method that can be applied to evaluate ductility for specimen subjected to lateral cyclic loading that has not been reported in earlier studies. Keywords: Ductility Ratio; Yield Displacement; Ultimate Displacement; Precast Connection; Load Displacement Envelope