Precast Concrete Modular Structures : Analysis of Horizontal Joints

Sammanfattning

This study investigates the structural performance of dry (non-grouted) connections in precastconcrete modular structures, with a focus on horizontal joints between concrete wall elements.Utilizing a combination of experiments and numerical simulations in ABAQUS, data on stiffness, force-displacement behavior and energy dissipation were gathered under cyclic loadingconditions that simulate forces during an earthquake. This data was used to develop an accurate model capable of reproducing the results and identifying critical parameters that affect thestructural behavior of the concrete elements. The experimental results were designed to representstructural behavior comparable to that of cast-in-place structures.Analyses and parametric studies enabled the selection of the most promising model of a dryhorizontal wall joint, providing robustness, ductility, and resilience under seismic loading conditions while also allowing for the possibility of future disassembly of the elements, which is oneof the key requirements of circularity in construction.