An Experimental Study on Compressive Loading Capacity of Precast Concrete Truss System

Abstract

In a large scale of excavation for the foundation of large-sized structures and underground structures, a considerable amount of earth pressure can occur. Steel beams that have been used to form a temporary structure to support earth pressure may be less economical and less efficient in resisting the high earth pressure. To cope with this problem, PCT(Precast Concrete Truss) system has been devised and investigated both experimentally and analytically. A proper connection method between the concrete truss members was proposed to accommodate fast assembly and disassembly. Full-scale test of PCT system was performed to verify the load-carrying capacity of the PCT system including the connections. The test results were compared with those of structural analysis. The test specimen which corresponds to PCT strut attained the ultimate load without buckling, but the detail of connector members needs to be improved. It is expected that precast concrete truss members can be efficiently incorporated into a temporary structure for deep and large excavation by replacing conventional steel beams.