International

Journal of Civil Engineering

and Technology
(IJCIET),
ISSN 0976 6308
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ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 6, Issue 1, January (2015), pp. 39-49 IAEME

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ISSN 0976 6308 (Print)

ISSN 0976 6316(Online)
Volume 6, Issue 1, January (2015), pp. 39-49
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IJCIET
IAEME

LITERATURE WORK STUDY OF PRECAST CONCRETE

CONNECTIONS IN SEISMIC
Dr. Sachin Admane
Principal, JSPMs ICOER, Wagholi
Prof. Y R Suryawanshi
Civil Engg Dept, JSPMs ICOER, Wagholi
Mr. Ajit Dhumal, ME Struct
Civil Engg Dept, JSPMs ICOER, Wagholi

1. INTRODUCTION
Structures made in Precast concrete is increasing in India. The special interest of developing
any connections is to be done using commonly used construction materials, such as cast-in-place
concrete.
This is an investigation of the seismic response on the precast structures due to the beam to
column connection behaviour. Earthquake could damage the whole structure if it is not properly
designed, especially in high seismic regions.
Connection is one of the crucial elements to limit building damage. A lot of researches have
been done on monolithic reinforced concrete buildings. Although several moment resistant
connections are designed through researches to sustain high intensity seismic, the connection
fabrication is complex which will slow down the construction period. Besides, the actual behaviour
of these connections is still vague. The understanding of the actual connection behaviour is very
important, especially designed and constructed for high seismic region. Precast technology offers
benefits such as reduce construction period, better quality control, cleaner and safer construction
sites and others. Precast concrete means concrete which has been prepared for casting and the
concrete either is statically reinforced or prestressed.
Meanwhile a precast concrete element is of a finite size and must therefore connect with
other elements to form a complete structure. When two elements are connected, problems such as
shrinkage, thermal or load will induced strains and cause volumetric changes. The volumetric
changes cause movement between the two elements and internal friction between the two elements
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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308 (Print),
ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 6, Issue 1, January (2015), pp. 39-49 IAEME

surface is provided by using various methods such as inserting dowel between beam to column
connection. Apart from that, local crushing at the top of column occurs due to the flexural rotation of
the beam. Therefore, a bearing pad is provided to overcome this problem. Another factor need to be
considered is the narrow bearing of the suspended element on the vertical element. Consideration for
the overall stability of the structure is important too.
Precast concrete structure refers to the combination of precast concrete elements and the
structure is able to sustain vertical and horizontal loads or even dynamic loads. So the design and
construction of the joints and connections is important to ensure the stability and robustness of the
overall structure.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
1. Elias Issa Saqan, Evaluation of ductile beam-column connections for use in seismic-resistant
precast frames, Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Texas at Austin, 1995: Four
types of ductile connections were considered in this study. Four half-scale models of prototype
precast beam-column connections subjected to reversed cyclic loads have been constructed and
tested. The experimental study demonstrated that it is possible to design and construct precast beamcolumn connections, where beams and columns are joined with ductile connecting elements, to
withstand severe inelastic deformations resulting from earthquake forces. It was concluded from the
experimental program that the large forces required to be resisted by the perimeter lateral-forceresisting frames resulted in large beam and column sizes and large amounts of reinforcement that
made detailing of the members extremely difficult. hence use of High strength steel. Due to the
jointed nature of precast frames, special attention must be paid to the stiffness of the structure
2. Bindurani, P, A. Meher Prasad, Amlan K. Sengupta, Analysis of Precast Multistoreyed
Building - A Case Study, International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering
and Technology (ICEE 2013), 2013: This study presents the modelling of connections in a wall
type precast building system. A case study on a 23-storeyed building, made up of precast wall panels
and slabs, to study the modelling of vertical joints in terms of shear transfer, is presented in the
paper. Two computational models were investigated to find the effect of modelling the vertical joints
between the wall panels, on the drifts and the generated forces in the walls. It was observed that the
model, which was not considering any shear transfer through the vertical joints, tend to provide
conservative results in terms of amount of steel requirement. The emulative monolithic wall system
seems to be adequate in moderate seismic zones. The provisions of tie reinforcements, reinforced
shear keys and dowel bars provide the required structural integrity for the precast system to avoid
progressive collapse. The emulative monolithic wall system seems to be adequate in moderate
seismic zones. The provisions of tie reinforcements, reinforced shear keys and dowel bars provide
the required structural integrity for the precast system.
3 R. Vidjeapriya and K.P. Jaya, Behaviour of Precast Beam-Column Mechanical Connections
under cyclic loading, ASIAN JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING (BUILDING AND
HOUSING) VOL. 13, NO. 2 (2012), 2011: Experiments were conducted on 1/3 scale models of two
types of precast beam-column connections and a monolithic connection. The precast connections
considered are the beam-column connections in which beam is connected to column with corbel
using (i) J-bolt and (ii) cleat angle. The specimens were subjected to reverse cyclic loading. The
experimental results of the precast specimens were compared with those of the monolithic
connection. Axial load was applied to the column using 400kN capacity actuator. The cyclic loading
is applied in the beam using another two actuators, one for positive load cycle and the other for the
negative load cycle. The hysteresis behavior, load carrying capacity, energy dissipation capacity and
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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308 (Print),
ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 6, Issue 1, January (2015), pp. 39-49 IAEME

ductility factor were measured and the performance for the precast and monolithic beam-column
connections were compared. Precast specimens showed increased stiffness in the negative direction
due to the presence of Corbel. In precast connection, the column reinforcements were free from
strains compared to that of monolithic connection.
4 P. K. Aninthaneni and R. P. Dhakal, Conceptual development: low Loss Precast Concrete
Frame Building System with Steel Connections, 2014 NZSEE Conference, New Zealand, 2014,
Schematic development of a sustainable demountable precast RC frame system, in which the precast
members are connected with steel angles/plates, steel tubes/plates and high strength friction grip
(HSFG) bolts, is discussed. The concept of this system allows a mechanical pin to be used in the
gravity frame connections such that only the seismic frames share the lateral force imposed by
earthquakes and the gravity frames do not damage at all in earthquakes. In the proposed precast
structural system, damaged structural elements in seismic frames can be easily replaced with new
ones; thereby rendering it a definitely repairable and low loss system, despite not being a damage
avoidance solution. The load transfer mechanism from the weak beam to the strong column through
the connection is explained and a model is proposed to analyse the connections. A new precast
concrete frame building system is proposed which inherently offers unique advantages such as; quick
construction, simple, demountable and reusable, easily upgradable, quickly repairable to insurance
policy compliant condition etc. The proposed system is sustainable and can be easily implemented
into practice in all RC frame buildings. It is particularly suitable for temporary structures.
5 Sarakot Asaad Hasan, BEHAVIOUR OF DISCONTINUOUS PRECAST CONCRETE
BEAM-COLUMN CONNECTIONS, University of Nottingham, 2011: The study investigates
experimentally and theoretically the behaviour of an internal precast concrete beam-column
connection, where both the column and beam are discontinuous in construction terms. The aim was
to modify the behaviour mechanisms within the connection zone by introducing a beam hogging
moment resistance capacity under dead loads and limiting the damage within the connection. This is
to offer permanent dead load hogging moments that could counterbalance any temporary sagging
moment generated under sway loads, enhance the rotational stiffness, balance the design
requirements for the beam-end and beam mid-span moments, provide efficient continuity across the
column, and reduce the deflection at the beam mid-span. Connection provides a hogging moment
capacity under dead loads as well as under live loads. Connection could be dealt with as an
equivalent monolithic connection under gravity loading by using the strong connection concept. The
simplified semi-rigid analysis using short stubs with appropriate stiffnesses, reflecting the connection
flexibility, was found to give the exact solution when the stub length approaches zero.
6 M. N. KATAOKA, M. A. FERREIRA, A. L. H. C. EL DEBS, A study on the behavior of
beam-column connections in precast concrete structures: experimental analysis, Ibracon
Structures and Materials Journal, Volume 5, Number 5, 2012: Due to the large increase in the
use of precast concrete structures in multistory buildings, this work covers a study on the behavior of
beam-column connection with emphasis on the continuity provided by the slab reinforcement. Two
prototypes were tested, each one with a different detail of the continuity reinforcement distribution.
In both connections, the steel area used on the concrete cover of the hollow core slab was the same,
varying the amount of bars that passed through the column and the ones that were placed adjacent to
the column. The experimental results showed that the connection with bars adjacent to the column
presented stiffness increase and a better cracking control. According to the classification the two
tested connections can be considered semi-rigid. Based on this research, with two tests of
connections, it was possible to analyze the behavior of the beam-column connection between precast
concrete elements which is widely used on sites and also to test an experimental methodology which
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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308 (Print),
ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 6, Issue 1, January (2015), pp. 39-49 IAEME

is not standardized in Brazil. The method used to measure the rotation which employed the
transducers placed on the corbels was very satisfactory.
7 Can Akogul and Oguz C. Celik, Effect of Elastomeric Bearing Modelling Parameters on the
Seismic Design of Highway Bridges with Precast Concrete Girders, The 14th World Conference
on Earthquake Engineering, October 12-17, 2008, Beijing, China, 2008: Parameters affecting the
seismic design and behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) highway bridges with precast prestressed
concrete girders are numerically investigated. I-girders of these bridges are often supported at the
ends by elastomeric bearing pads. The bearing pad-bridge girder interface defines support boundary
conditions and may affect the seismic performance of the bridge. AASHTO design principles are
followed throughout this work. A previously designed and constructed real bridge example (the
Akcaova Bridge) which is located on the third earthquake zone in Turkey is considered for the
analysis. SAP2000 is used to model the bridge. Although numerical investigations reveal that
elastomeric pads may positively affect the seismic response of such bridges, this effect highly
depends on geometry of bridge, especially the pier rigidities. Other conclusions include that
elastomeric bearings may add extra stiffness to the system when tall and flexible piers are used.
Shear forces at pier bases decrease by 50% since the lateral loads are more appropriately shared
between the piers and abutments. Elastomeric bearings become more effective in bridges with short
and rigid columns.
8 M.J.Gopinathan and K.Subramanian, High Performance and Efficiency of Joints in Precast
Members, M. J. Gopinathan et.al / International Journal of Engineering and Technology
(IJET), 2009: The usage of precast concrete began about 70 years ago. Till now the technology has
maintained its status in the construction industry as The Least Understood form of Construction.
The advantages of the pre-cast construction are not explored by most part of the world especially by
the developing countries. In the competition between precast and monolithic structures,
prefabrication gains an ever increasing prominence because it is accompanied by the improvement of
quality, while the requirement in materials, working time and cost shows a decreased tendency. This
paper presents the results of a two dimensional 3-bay G+5 storeyed prefabricated frame subjected to
lateral loading. The joints in beam column junction and joints in beam to beam connection were
strengthened by specially designed steel bolts and L-angles by welding and bolting. The frame was
subjected to lateral cyclic load until failure. The results are compared with ANSYS model. The
efficiency and performance of beam-column joints and beam-beam joints were studied and the
behaviour of prefabricated frame is compared with monolithic frame.
9 Radhika J. Popat1, Rajul K. Gajjar, Seismic Evaluation of Beam-Column joints using GFRP
Bars in Multi-Storey building using ETABS, Radhika et al, International Journal of Advanced
Engineering Research and Studies, E-ISSN22498974, 2011: The objective of this research paper
is to study the seismic behavior of beam-column joint using GFRP bars in multi-storey building
using ETABS9.5. The performance of framed structures depends not only upon the individual
members but also upon the integrity of the joints. Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP)
reinforcement has emerged as a potential candidate as an alternative reinforcement to conventional
steel reinforcing bars for concrete structures. However, FRP materials exhibit linear-elastic stressstrain characteristics up to failure, which raises concerns on their performance in beam-column joints
in which energy dissipation, through plastic behavior, is required. This paper deals with evaluation
of concrete beam-column joints reinforced with GFRP bars in a multibay, multi-storey building,
under seismic load using. Pushover analysis was carried out using ETABS using M3 and V2 hinges
for beams and P-M-M hinges for columns. As we increase the storey height it is observed that GFRP
bars are performing very well, hence GFRP bars can be effectively used for high rise buildings. The
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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308 (Print),
ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 6, Issue 1, January (2015), pp. 39-49 IAEME

large deformation, exhibited by GFRP material, allows the GFRP reinforced building to adequately
dissipate the seismic energy.
10 Patrick Tiong Liq Yee, Azlan Bin Adnan, Abdul Karim Mirasa and Ahmad Baharuddin
Abdul Rahman , Performance of IBS Precast Concrete Beam-Column Connections Under
Earthquake Effects: A Literature Review, American J. of Engineering and Applied Sciences 4
(1): 93-101, 2011, ISSN 1941-7020,2010 Science Publications, 2011: The main objective of this
study was to identify the most appropriate type of beam-column connections to be introduced to
precast concrete industry, particularly for regions of low to moderate seismicity. Hence, this study
presented a comprehensive literature overview of the findings from studies conducted to analyze and
investigate the behavior of precast concrete systems assembled with typical connections or joints
under simulated earthquake loading. The seismic performance of precast concrete structure very
much depended on the ductility capacity of the connectors jointing each precast components,
especially at critical joints such as the beam-tocolumn connections. It was learnt from the review that
(1) hybrid post-tensioned beam-column connection and (2) Dywidag Ductile Connector were among
the most widely used connectors for precast construction in seismic prone regions. Future refinement
and research could be carried out in order to optimize these connections to be used in low seismicity
regions. Proposed connection type should be practical and well-accepted to avoid further impediment
of the precast system.
11 G. Metelli and P. Riva, Behaviour of a Beam to Column DRY Joint for Precast Concrete
Elements, The 14th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering October 12-17, 2008,
Beijing, China, 2008: In Italy, precast concrete structures are traditionally designed as moment
resisting frames with plastic hinges occurring at the column base and beams hinged to the columns.
A ductile moment resisting connection between the column and the beam can provide the advantage
of designing a seismic resisting frame which can develop plastic hinges at the beam-column joints,
besides those at the column base. This paper aims at presenting the results of experimental tests
concerning the cyclic behaviour of a particular beam columndry connection for precast concrete
elements. The joint is characterized by the use of high strength steel bars and of a fibre reinforced
grout pad in the Z shaped beam-column interface, increasing the shear resistance of the
connection. The experimental results show a good performance of the joint, in term of resistance,
ductility and energy dissipation, with little damage observed in the connected members. The joint is
featured by an obvious assembling ease due to the lack of reinforcement across the column of
reinforced concrete brackets supporting the beam. Development of the joint detail on the column side
is required in order to obtain an effective bar anchorage system allowing the bar yield which should
provide the ductility.
3. RESEARCH NEED
Precast system is not yet well used in India, due to the connections for precast structures,
which are the most important part of any structure. The seismic behavior has to be study in detail and
to develop the best suitable connection for Indian construction industry. Precast structure is an
assembly of precast elements which is connected together, form a 3D framework capable of resisting
gravitation and wind, earthquake loads.
This framework are suited to buildings such as industrial buildings, offices, retail units, car
parks, schools, stadium, etc. At present, many buildings of reinforced concrete frame structures has
been constructed using precast element. The construction members consist of beams, columns, slabs
and walls, etc. Connection should be well planned at the less stressed locations, it is the need and
must to take into account the capacities of precast installation.
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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308 (Print),
ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 6, Issue 1, January (2015), pp. 39-49 IAEME

Precast concrete has accepted as a safe construction, durable, reliable, high quality, and costeffective. In high seismic areas, there is less quantum of designing and construction of precast
structures, mainly due to lack of design provisions for seismic resistant of beam-column
connections. Gaining confidence to use of precast concrete in several appropriate methods for
connecting elements is a need.
IS codes (Indian Standards codes of practice) gives guidelines for design and construction of
precast reinforced or prestressed concrete but design and details of connections are not specified for
precast structures in seismically-active areas. ACI or BS codes recommend considering all
conditions starting from initial production till installation and completion of structure, and provide
strength requirements for various connections.
4. CASE STUDY
4.1 CUMMINS TECHNICAL CENTRE INDIA, KOTHRUD, PUNE.
As per below photos, Concrete grade is M50. The precast column are three floor height and
the size is 900mm x 900mm and height is 10m. Precast Beams are sitting on the corbel introduced in
the precast column. There are pockets of 1m kept in the column at each floor level in order to pass
the continuous reinforcements of precast beams. For internal column, after installation of all four
side beams and reinforcement passing in between the column pockets, then the junction is done as
cast-in-place. Elastomer pads are used underneath of precast beams for rotation, lateral forces or
vertical movement in the columns due to seismic. These are moment-resisting frame connections.

Fig.4.a Internal Column-Beam joint.

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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308 (Print),
ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 6, Issue 1, January (2015), pp. 39-49 IAEME

Fig.4.b Peripheral Column-Beam joint.

Fig.4.c Installation of Beam

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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308 (Print),
ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 6, Issue 1, January (2015), pp. 39-49 IAEME

Fig.4.d Beam sitting on Corbel

Fig.4.e Site view, Pockets in Column for continuing Beam reinforcement

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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308 (Print),
ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 6, Issue 1, January (2015), pp. 39-49 IAEME

4.2 MULTILEVEL CAR PARK, INFOSYS, HINJEWADI, PUNE.

As per below photos, Concrete grade is M50. The precast column are three floor height and
the size is 900mm x 900mm and height is 9.6m. Precast Beams are sitting on the corbel introduced in
the precast column. The dowel bar is embedded in the corbel while production of column. There are
sleeves provision in precast beams. While installation of precast beams the dowel bars coming from
corbel are inserted in the beam sleeves. Elastomer pads are used underneath of precast beams for
lateral forces, rotation or vertical movement in the columns due to seismic. These are Dowel-pin
connections.

Fig.4.f Elevation, Peripheral Column-Spandrel Beam joint.

Fig.4.g Internal Column-Beam dowel-pin joint.

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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308 (Print),
ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 6, Issue 1, January (2015), pp. 39-49 IAEME

Fig.4.h Peripheral Column-Spandrel Beam joint.

Fig.4.i Column to Column dowel joint.

5. REFERENCES
1.

Cheok, G. S., and Lew, H. S., "Performance of Precast Concrete Beam-to-Column

Connections Subject to Cyclic Loading," Precast Concrete Institute Journal, Vol. 36, No. 3,
May-June, 1991, pp. 56-67.
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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308 (Print),
ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 6, Issue 1, January (2015), pp. 39-49 IAEME

2.
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Clough, R., and Penzien, J., "Dynamics of Structures," J. Wiley & Sons, New York, 1975
IS 11447 1985 (Reaffirmed 2003), Indian Standard Code of Practice for Construction with
Large Panel Prefabricates, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.
IS 15916:2010, Indian Standard: Building Design and Erection using Prefabricated ConcreteCode of Practice, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.
Mitchell D, DeVall, RH, Saatcioglu, M, Simpson R, Tinawi R, and Tremblay R.,
Damage to concrete structures due to the 1994 Northridge earthquake, Canadian Journal of
Civil Engineering, 22(1995) 361-77.
CPCI Design Manual. 1996. Precast and Prestressed concrete, Canadian Presstressed
Concrete Institute, Canada
ABNT 2005, NBR 9062: Design and Execution of Precast Concrete (in Portuquese),
Brazilian Association for Technical Standards (ABNT), Rio de Janeiro.
ACI 2008a, Building Code Requirments for Reinforced Concrete, ACI 318-08, American
Concrete Institute, Detroit.
SHARIATMADAR, H., BEYDOKHTI, E. Z. (2011). Experimental investigation of precast
concrete beam to column connections subjected to reversed cyclic loads. 6th International
Conference on Seismology and Earthquake Engineering. Tehran, Iran.
AASHTO, 2002. Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, Seventeenth Edition,
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
ATC-6, 1981, Seismic Design Guidelines for Highway Bridges, Applied Technology
Council, Federal Highway Administration.
Bhavneet Singh, Bleeding In Concrete International Journal of Civil Engineering &
Technology (IJCIET), Volume 4, Issue 2, 2013, pp. 247 - 249, ISSN Print: 0976 6308,
ISSN Online: 0976 6316.
K.Krishna Bhavani Siram and K.Arjun Raj, Concrete + Green = Foam Concrete
International Journal of Civil Engineering & Technology (IJCIET), Volume 4, Issue 4, 2013,
pp. 179 - 184, ISSN Print: 0976 6308, ISSN Online: 0976 6316.
Prerna Nautiyal, Saurabh Singh and Geeta Batham, A Comparative Study of The Effect of
Infill walls on Seismic Performance of Reinforced Concrete Buildings International Journal
of Civil Engineering & Technology (IJCIET), Volume 4, Issue 4, 2013, pp. 208 - 218, ISSN
Print: 0976 6308, ISSN Online: 0976 6316.
Dr. D. V. Prasada Rao and G. V. Sai Sireesha, A Study on The Effect of Addition Of Silica
Fume on Strength Properties of Partially Used Recycled Coarse Aggregate Concrete
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