Experimental study on interior precast concrete beam-column connections with lap-spliced steel bars in field-cast RPC

摘要

Reactive powder concrete (RPC) has an ultra-high bond strength with steel bars, which offers new and innovative opportunities for precast concrete structures. This experimental study aimed to develop an alternative precast interior beam-column connection for moment-resisting frames in seismic regions. A two-stage experimental program involved a series of lap-splice tests and two beam-column connection tests to assess the viability of lap spliced steel bars in field-cast RPC (LS-RPC) used in a precast beam-column connection. In the first part of the study, the lap-splice tests were conducted to determine the minimum lap length of LS-RPC and the influences of embedment length, hoop ratio, and hoop type (rectangular or spiral). In the second part, the application of LSRPC in the precast beam-column connection was performed to verify its reliability and its seismic performance with the expectation that this alternative precast interior beam-column connection for moment-resisting frames would be practical for application in seismic regions. It was determined that the application of highly ductile fiber-reinforced concrete in the potential plastic hinge zone could improve the seismic performance of the connection.