Performance of column-to-column mechanical connection in precast concrete building under seismic loading

Abstract

Precast columns in precast concrete structures with floor heights require connections that need confident, reliable, and cost-effective design and implementation methods that can speed up both processes. At the same time, still ensure adequate strength, stiffness, and ductility to the column behavior. Columns specifically have the main role in structures for transmitting vertical and horizontal loads due to seismic effects to the base to fulfill life safety requirements, but the existence of a connection in the column cannot ensure the required. This work aims to study the performance and efficiency of mechanical bolted column connections under the action of seismic loading. In this regard, a column connection used in the precast structure of the new Karbala Provincial Council (KPC) under seismic loading is used as the case study. This building was analyzed and then designed employing special mechanical bolted connections produced by Peikko’s products (Column-shoe & Anchor bolts). The analysis gave the exact forces at the connection location and the design using Peikko’s column connection performed well under all loading cases including the seismic case. The analysis and design lead to smaller column section selection since it takes into account the interaction of applied loads using special equations.