Horizontal Connections for Precast Concrete Shear Wall Panels Under Cyclic Shear Loading

The performance of precast concrete loadbearing shear wall panel structures during an earthquake relies on the behavior and integrity of the connections between the panels. Design of these structures requires the ability to predict the behavior of the connections. This paper presents results of an experimental study of horizontal connections for precast wall panels subjected to reversed cyclic shear deformations combined with simulated gravity loads normal to the connection. The influence of mild steel reinforcement, post tensioning and shear keys was investigated. Experimental results were used to determine the cyclic behavior of the connections and to identify the contribution of the connections and to identify the contribution of the connection components. Simple rational models were proposed to predict the limit states of the connections. Two numerical design examples are included to illustrate the proposed models. Based on the study, design recommendations are presented.