Performance of exterior precast beam column connection under seismic effects- a review

The connections of precast beam and column elements plays a major role in implementation of this technology in seismic regions through which the lateral stability and structural integrity will be maintained. So far the review papers published on precast beam-column connections concisely outlines the concepts, development and suitability of different form of connections in seismic regions. However review works related to seismic behaviour of different precast beam-column connections with analyses and discussion compared to their monolithic connection in a single platform were limited. Hence, this paper presents the overall review of the precast beam-column connection's experimental results by correlation with their monolithic connections in terms of the load carrying capacity, ductility, energy dissipation capacity, stiffness degradation and the failure mode. The different forms of connections were grouped under wet and dry connections (post-tension and mechanical device). The performances of various connection systems are analysed and compared based on the connection construction detail and seismic behaviour. Overall, the seismic performance of wet connection and post-tension connection are acceptable with some major construction drawbacks. Despite of the poor seismic performances, the mechanical device connections may be implemented in construction field with the benefit of economy and simplicity in construction. However, certain innovative ideas and or modification are to be performed to the existing systems to suit the regions of high seismicity. (author)