Experimental study and finite element analysis on seismic performance of PC walls with keyway joint

In order to meet the seismic performance and rapid assembly requirements for multi-layer precast concrete (PC) wall structures among low seismic intensity areas，a type of horizontal keyway joint connection was proposed．The low cycle loading test was carried out on 6 PC wall specimens connected by the joint to investigate the impact of the addition of vertical grouted sleeves，axial compression ratios，and wall thickness on the seismic performance of specimens. Results indicate that the energy dissipation capacity，bearing capacity and ductility of specimens are enhanced obviously when applying axial compression or adding grouted sleeves．However，the energy dissipation capacity and ductility of specimens decrease as the axial compression ratio continue to increase．The reduction in wall thickness has remarkable effects on the energy dissipation and bearing capacity of specimens．The finite element analysis of PC wall specimens under low cycle loading were conducted by using the ABAQUS. Based on the accuracy of the proposed models，the comparative analysis was carried out to investigate the layout position and diameter of connecting reinforcement of grouted sleeves on bearing capacity of walls． The simplified calculation method of bearing capacity was subsequently put forward，and the error between the calculation and experimental results is within 15%. © 2023 Huazhong University of Science and Technology. All rights reserved.