In-Plane Quasi-Static Cyclic Tests on Emulative Precast Concrete Walls

Abstract

This paper presents two types of emulative precast concrete walls with dry horizontal connection and semi-dry horizontal connection. As for dry connection, vertical continuity reinforcing bars are grouted in metal bellows embedded in the precast wall panel. As for semi-dry connection, the web reinforcing bars are still grouted in embedded metal bellows while the reinforcing bars within boundary elements are overlapped and anchored in cast-in-place concrete. To assess the seismic performance of the two connections, three full-scale specimens, including one reference monolithic specimen and two precast specimens for each connection, were prefabricated and tested under in-plane quasi-static cyclic loading. The strength, stiffness, displacement ductility, and energy dissipation of the specimens were measured and compared. The experimental results demonstrated that, compared with the monolithic specimen, both precast specimens exhibited satisfactory behavior and the semi-dry precast specimen performed better than the dry precast specimen in terms of ductility and energy dissipation. In addition, the analytical results showed that precast specimens exhibited reliable seismic performance with high bearing capacity and large deformation capacity.