Seismic Behavior of Connections in Precast Concrete Walls

Abstract

An experimental program is summarized which is aimed at enhancing the knowledge base regarding seismic behavior, analysis and design of precast concrete shear walls. The "emulation design" and "jointed construction" philosophies are described, and an idealization of the behavior of precast shear walls is presented. A compendium of connection details for precast concrete shear walls, seven for vertical joints and four for horizontal joints, is selected for further study and the selection process is described. The connection details are proportioned for a prototype shear wall that is designed as part of a six-story precast concrete office building. A description of all connection details and test procedure is given. Highlights from the cyclic load tests of the vertical joint specimens are documented, including connection resistance, displacement response, initial stiffness and energy dissipation capacity.