Seismic behavior of a novel bolt-connected horizontal joint for precast RC wall panel structures: Experimental and numerical analysis

In this study, a novel connection consisting of high-strength bolts and connecting steel plates used for horizontal joints of fully precast RC wall panel structures was proposed. Four precast wall panels were jointed using the novel connection and tested under reversed cyclic load to investigate the seismic performance . Several variables, such as the spacing of the stirrups, the diameter of the bolts, the thickness of the steel plates, and the height-to-width ratio, were considered in the tests. Mechanical behaviors, including failure mode, hysteresis curve , strength, ductility, stiffness and energy dissipation capacity, were discussed through the comparison among the specimens. Test results show that: (1) All the four specimens failed at the two flange edges of the wall panels due to severe concrete crushing. Failure modes are bending failure; (2) Wall panel structures with bolt-connected joint had good integrity and mechanical behaviors including high carrying capacity, excellent ductility and comparable energy dissipation capacity. In addition, a finite element model was calibrated with the test results and then a series of parametric analyses were conducted. It is concluded that the bearing capacity of the bolt-connected wall panel gradually increases with the decrease of the stirrup spacing, the increasing thickness of connecting steel plate and the increasing number of high strength bolts. Specifications of stirrup spacing, connecting steel plate thickness and bolt number were recommended through the numerical analysis. • A novel connection consisting of bolts and steel plates for horizontal joints of a precast RC wall panel is proposed. • The seismic performance of four precast wall panels jointed using the novel connection are experimentally studied. • Mechanical properties (e.g. failure modes, stiffness, strength and ductility, energy dissipation, et al.) are studied. • Numerical models are verified and calibrated with the test results and then a series of parametric analysis are conducted.