Evaluation of the rotational stiffness of precast reinforced concrete beam-column connections

• Published in: Engineering structures Vol. 308; p. 117933
• Main Authors: Moreira, Gustavo, Marreiros, Rui, Marchão, Carla, Reguengo, Romeu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2024
• Subjects: Beam-Column Connection; Precast Concrete Structures; Seismic Behaviour; Beam-Column Connection; Precast Concrete Structures; Seismic Behaviour
• ISSN: 0141-0296; 1873-7323
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.117933

Usually, beam-column connections with steel dowels are treated as hinged connections. This approach overlooks the rotational restraining effect of the dowels. To study the behaviour of these types of connections, an experimental campaign was carried out. Three full-scale beam-column connections were tested, subjected to monotonic and cyclic displacements. The specimens were also simulated numerically to study the influence of the bond quality between the steel dowel and the grout on the stiffness of the connection. The numerical models were calibrated using the experimental results. The results showed that the restraining effect is not negligible and affects the effective length of columns, leading to smaller second-order effects. •The restraining effect of beam-column connections using steel dowels should not be neglected.•The increase of dowels on beam-column connectiondecreases the column effective length , thus reducing second order effects.•The influence of bond between the steel dowel and the grout leads to slight differences in the effective length of columns.•Beam-column connections using one steel dowel should be considered as hinged connections.