Utilizing many specimens in full-scaled experimental testing to study the behavior of precast concrete connections can be expensive. An alternative is to cast and carry out a minimal number of experimental tests and then model the connection/structure in a finite element software. The FE model can be validated using the few experimental tests carried out, and FEA can be used to analyze and study the behavior of the structure. Once validated, further parametric study can be carried out on the FE model. However, the modelling of precast concrete column-to-beam connection has not been explored widely by researchers. One of the main challenges is that modelling precast concrete connection involves complex surface to surface interaction and there is a lack of efficient ways on the modelling of the precast and in-situ concrete surface to surface interaction in finite element software. Hence, the main objective of this research is to model a hidden corbel precast beam-to-column connection in a finite element software, ABAQUS, which is then validated using previously published proposed precast connection and experimental works. Initially, the FE model was developed based on the technical drawings of the components and assembly of the precast connection. The FE model is validated when it can simulate similar structural behavior as the experimental tests. The behavior that were used for comparison with the experimental work is load-displacement and the failure cracks patterns' behavior. In general, the FE model results show similar behavior with the experimental results in regards to the load-displacement curve and failure cracks patterns.

In precast concrete structures, connections play an important role in ensuring the safety of the structure. Current design practice in structural analysis assumes the connection as pinned or rigid. However, this cannot be relied upon for safety against collapse because during service the actual connection may react differently by rotating and, consequently, deviating from the desired response for what it was designed for. This paper investigates the performance of a precast beam-to-column connection with billet connector using three-dimensional non-linear finite element model in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software, Abaqus. The material properties of concrete were defined using a non-linear concrete damage plasticity model (CDPM). This model was used to predict the connection behavior under monotonic and cyclic loading when different parameters were set such as dilation angle, interaction properties and friction factor. Furthermore, the moment resistance and failure mechanism of the connection were investigated. The fixity factor was calculated, and the connection was classified using the 'beam line' method through investigating the moment-rotation (M-ϕ) and the response of the beam. The FE analysis was also validated against experimental results. This process was carried out to obtain the most efficient method of designing a precast connection in terms of maximum displacement, stress generated, strength, hysteretic behaviour, and stiffness degradation.