Experimental study on mechanical property of precast concrete frame with replaceable energy dissipation connectors

A type of precast concrete frame beam-column joint with replaceable energy-dissipation connectors was proposed for improving the rehabilitation efficiency and rehabilitation property of structures. The replaceable energy dissipation connectors were assembled as the moment resisting components at the beam end and the dampers. The pin shaft system was regarded as the shear force resisting components of the beam end. The pseudo-static experiments of the joint specimen were conducted to analyze the mechanism property, the seismic capacity and the rehabilitation performance. The results show that the specimen exhibits stable energy dissipation capacity and high ductility property. The plastic deformation is concentrated on the core plates of the energy-dissipation connectors, while the cracks on the concrete can close after unloading. The stable load-carrying capacity can be obtained under a large drift. The failure mode is the fatigue fracture in the middle of the core member of the connectors. After the replacement of the core plates, the initial stiffness, the hysteretic property and the ductility of the specimen were consistent with those under the initial condition. The concrete members remain elastic as before, revealing good seismic rehabilitation property. The proposed beam-column joint can be used in high-seismic zones, which can help the structures recover the bearing capacity and normal function after strong earthquakes. © 2021, Editorial Department of Journal of Southeast University. All right reserved.