Numerical Evaluation of The Bending Performance of Precast Beam-Column Connections

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Kıpçak F.

PAMUKKALE UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING SCIENCES-PAMUKKALE UNIVERSITESI MUHENDISLIK BILIMLERI DERGISI, cilt.0, sa.0, ss.1-12, 2026 (ESCI, TRDizin)

Özet

Context—Precast beam-column connections directly affect the behavior of structure. These connections form the resistance of the structural system by transferring forces between elements. In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of precast structures. Performance issues observed during earthquakes have revealed the need for further research in this field. In the earthquakes that occurred in our country in 2023, it was determined that pin connections in precast structures were damaged.

Objective—The weakest points in the structure were found to be the connections in response to seismic effects. This situation was found to be significant in the structure. The damage occurring in the connections was seen to cause major damage throughout the structure. This made it necessary to reevaluate the connections. The study numerically investigated the bending performance of six different connection types: monolithic, semi-prefabricated, single-pin, double-J-pin, double-pin, and both single-pin and cleat angle.

Method—Connection types found in the literature and commonly used today were investigated. The structural performance, failure behavior, load and displacement capacities, and damage mechanisms of the connection types were investigated under vertical load using ABAQUS software. For this purpose, six connection types were considered. Nonlinear behaviors were considered to ensure the correct use of concrete and steel materials. In this context, separate material properties were defined for the pin, cleat angle, plate, and bolt steel materials and evaluated in the study.

Results—The capacity increased as the number of connection elements increased from precast to monolithic connection. The semi-prefabricated connection reached the highest capacity with the support of the gusset. The significance effect of the cleat angle used in the connection was observed. The side bolt connecting the column was observed to behave like a monolithic connection until it reached the shear capacity. The use of gussets was effective in precast connections. More damage was observed in concrete elements in monolithic structures.

Conclusion—The capacity was increased thanks to a cleat angle to the single-pin connection and the high ratio of the gusset distance to the beam. Using a cleat angle to pin connections increased capacity by 2.18 times. Using two pins increased capacity by 1.21 times compared to using a single pin.