Behavior of two new moment resisting precast beam to column connections subjected to lateral loading

In this study, two new moment resisting connections of beams to precast concrete columns under lateral load were analyzed via application of nonlinear finite element analysis software ABAQUS 6.10. The precast connections considered were the beam-column connections in which precast beams is connected to continuous precast column with corbel using (i) inverted E (bolted connection) and (ii) box section (welded connection). Connection responses associated with lateral resistance, lateral stiffness, ductility, and energy dissipation were compared to a reference monolithic connection. Achieved lateral resistance, lateral stiffness and ductility of the proposed connections was approximately 98%, 80% and 80% of the equivalent monolithic connection, respectively. The effect of axial load on column and compressive strength of concrete on behavior of the connections were studied. The analytical results show that the performance of two proposed precast connections were close to the performance of corresponding monolithic connection.