Performance of Precast Beam to Column Connection With Billet Connector Using FEM

Abstract

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.