Experimental Investigation on the Seismic Behaviour of Connections in Precast Structures

The paper is addressed to the identification of the behaviour parameters of a type of connection between floor or roof elements and the supporting beams. This identification will allow to give a correct representation of this type of joints within the overall numerical model for structural analysis and to give practical application to the criteria of capacity design. The first results of the experimental campaign are reported with reference to monotonic (push-over) and cyclic tests. Following the results of some preliminary trial tests, a complete framing of the experimental programme has been defined, covering the general testing protocol for all types of connections. Moreover, the guidelines have been drafted for a standardized quantification of the principal parameters of the connections seismic behaviour.