A Novel Precast Concrete Beam–Column Connection With Replaceable Energy-Dissipation Connector: Experimental Investigation and Theoretical Analysis

In order to avoid the damage of the connection due to the overstrength of beam strength, and the alternation of the strength hierarchy in the structural system. The additional bending moment produced by the combined action of the pressure generated by the concrete compression zone and the tension generated by the reinforcements needs to be reduced. A novel precast concrete beam–column connection is proposed herein. In the proposed connection, the precast beam is laid on a steel corbel embedded in the precast column. A novel replaceable energy-dissipation connector (REDC) is placed at the bottom of the steel corbel, which ensures that it is in the same horizontal position aligned with the longitudinal reinforcement at the bottom of the connection. In addition, there is a narrow vertical slot adjacent to the column face. The total yield capacity of the top reinforcement is larger than that of the bottom REDC energy-dissipation connector. Theory study focused on the structural features and mechanical mechanism of this novel precast connection. Three low-cycle quasi-static loading tests were carried out on a single full-scaled specimen by replacing three REDCs with different sizes. The cracking pattern of this novel precast connection, and the effects of different parameters of the REDCs on the energy-dissipation capacity and load capacity of the connections were discussed. By performing a finite-element simulation, a method for reducing the additional bending moment and keeping the top reinforcements always in elastic was developed. In addition, the relevant design suggestions were provided. The conclusion shows that the seismic performance of this novel precast concrete beam–column connection is excellent. The positive and negative bending moments of novel precast concrete beam–column connection both reduce the additional bending moment. In view of this, the bending moment of the novel connection is a controllable variable.