Seismic performance of precast concrete wall with vertical energy-dissipating connection

A precast concrete wall with vertical energy-dissipating connection (PCWVEC) was proposed in which X-shaped metal dampers (XMD) with better energy-dissipating capacity were installed along the vertical connections between precast wall panels, and the pore-forming grouted lap-sliced connector was adopted for the longitudinal steel bars between wall panels and floors. Lateral cyclic loading tests were carried out on two full-scale specimens, including an assembled monolithic concrete wall (PCWVEC1) and unbonded post-tensioning (PT) concrete wall (PCWVEC2), where the longitudinal steel bars at wall toes were replaced by PT tendons to provide the self-centering capacity and bearing capacity. The seismic behavior of PCWVEC was experimentally investigated including failure mode, wall panel and XMD deformation, bearing capacity, ductility, strain, and energy-dissipating capacity. The test results showed that XMDs used as vertical connection can effectively transfer the internal force and dissipate energy well. The average peak load of specimen PCWVEC2 was smaller than that of specimen PCWVEC1 about 13.67%. In addition, the finite element analysis (FEA) model of specimen PCWVEC2 was established, and the FEA results match well with the test results. Based on a parameter study, specimen PCWVEC2 with proper design parameter can have the same strength, energy-dissipating capacity, and better self-centering capacity.

Automated summary

A precast concrete wall with vertical energy-dissipating connection (PCWVEC) was proposed, featuring X-shaped metal dampers (XMD) for better energy-dissipating capacity and using pore-forming grouted lap-sliced connectors for longitudinal steel bars. Experimental tests and finite element analysis showed that the PCWVEC structure has good seismic performance, effectively transferring internal forces, dissipating energy, and providing self-centering and bearing capacities.