MOMENT RESISTANT CONNECTIONS IN PRECAST CONCRETE FRAMES FOR SEISMIC REGIONS

The concept of relocating the plastic hinge region of precast concrete frames for construction in seismic regions is examined. Five beam-to-column subassemblies were tested under simulated earthquake-type loading. The connections included steel plates or angles embedded in the columns and beams which would facilitate field erection. The column axial load was held constant during the test while the free end of the beam was subjected to reversed cyclic displacements. The failure modes, strength and ductility of the test specimens using various connection details are compared. It is concluded that properly designed connections with relocated plastic hinges can perform in a satisfactory manner. The reduced welding requirements for these details result in improved economy of construction.