Experimental and Numerical Study of Seismic Performance of Precast Prestressed Concrete Frame Internal Connection

Abstract

The seismic performance of the internal connection of precast prestressed concrete frame was studied systematically, based on the experiment of full-scale model under low cyclic reversed loading. This study was mainly focused on failure pattern, load-carrying capacity, skeleton curves, and hysteresis curves. Furthermore, a nonlinear finite element analysis using Abaqus was carried out to study the characteristics of the internal connection of precast prestressed concrete frame. Results revealed that the damage was concentrated mainly on beam end owing to flexural action, while steel bars in the columns and stirrups in the core region remained elastic until failure occurred. The calculated value of the load-carrying capacity of the internal connection was similar to the experimental one. Present study can be referenced for the application of precast prestressed concrete frame in high seismic zones.