Design of Connections of Earthquake Resisting Precast Reinforced Concrete Perimeter Frames

Moment resisting perimeter frames are an excellent means of providing the earthquake resistance in medium height multistory buildings. These frames can be constructed using precast reinforced concrete elements designed to emulate conventional cast-in-place construction. Construction of earthquake resistant buildings incorporating ductile precast reinforced concrete perimeter frames is widespread in New Zealand. The main problem in the design and construction of structures incorporating precast concrete elements to provide seismic resistance is in finding economical and practical methods of connecting the elements. This paper discusses the design and detailing of the connection region between members of earthquake resisting perimeter frames.