A Numerical Study of Precast Beam-Column Moment Connections Under Column Removal Scenario

Abstract

Precast concrete structures become widely used recently due to high quality of manufacturing as well as its good behaviour under gravity .However the most critical part in the precast structures is beam to column connections in precast frame system due to the different variables involved in the assemblages. In this paper a study is carried out on different wet beam column connections under column removal scenario to observe the behaviour of the connections due to progressive collapse. Different column removal locations with different frame arrangements is studied. The Applied Element Method is implemented in the study to construct a 3D detailed model of the studied connections by using Extreme Loading of Structures Software. The performance of the connections is presented in terms beam, column and joint behaviour. Maximum beam deflection, rotation and internal axial force, normal and shear stresses of the connection reinforcement as well as the column behaviour in terms of rotation and internal axial forces are discussed. From the results obtained an enhancement design is suggested for the failed connections and studied its effect in resisting the local failure due to column removal.