Experimental and numerical study on mechanical properties of PC shear wall bolted connection joints

Steel-bolt connection joint with embedded steel is increasingly utilized for prefabricated concrete (PC) shear walls and plays an indispensable role in the shear force transmission process. To enhance the mechanical performance of the connection joint in PC walls, a new pre-embedded steel bolt connection is proposed in this paper. The new connection can quickly connect prefabricated shear walls, with a simple construction process and short construction period. The present study respectively designed and fabricated four specimens with different connection configurations to conduct shear performance tests on the steel connectors and hysteresis performance tests on the connection joint. A numerical model for the joint was then established based on the shear test data of the steel connectors, to further analyze the mechanical performance of the proposed connection joint. The results indicate that depending on the different steel connection configurations, shear failure modes can be categorized into bolt shear failure and embedded steel pullout failure. The shear studs have minimal impact on the shear performance of the steel connectors. The flanges on both sides of the joint effectively enhance the hysteresis performance of the connection joint. Among the tested specimens, the one with a steel configuration at the connection joint featuring ribbed channel steel exhibits superior hysteresis performance, with higher load-bearing capacity, gradual stiffness degradation, and excellent energy dissipation capability. It is recommended to use these connection details for embedded steel connections at the joint during the design.