Experimental investigation of dry mechanical beam–column joints for precast concrete based frames

Abstract

Summary This paper proposes dry mechanical beam–column joints for fully restrained moment connections of concrete components. This novel joint can be used for reinforced concrete precast frames and steel–concrete composite precast frames. The new dry mechanical joint consists of extended steel plates with bolts designed to transfer tension and compression forces, providing fully restrained moment connections at the beam–column joint. The extended end plate with bolts introduced for column‐beam joint assembly was originally used in the steel moment frame, as introduced in AISC 358. This study developed similar but unique mechanical joint details for concrete frames in order to provide fully restrained moment connections for both steel–concrete composite precast frames and reinforced concrete precast frames. Experimental and analytical investigations were performed to verify the structural behavior of fully restrained moment connections for concrete components in order to identify the parameters that influence the structural behavior of dry mechanical moment concrete connections. These connections are expected to be used in modular offsite construction for buildings and heavy industrial plants. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.