Shear strength of precast RC column-steel beam joint with whole column-section diaphragm

RC column-steel beam (RCS) frame structure has gained popularity due to its economic rationality. Variable types of RCS joint details have been proposed to enhance the seismic performance. However, most joints were designed with cast-in-site as a prerequisite. It was difficult to achieve horizontal casting of the joint off-site once complicated configurations were used. In this research, a new precast RCS joint with whole column-section diaphragm was proposed. Due to its unique detail, the existing design models are not applicable to the proposed joint, which restricts its future application. This study aims to develop a suitable shear strength model and calculation method for the proposed joint. Sixteen planar joint specimens were tested under cyclic load to obtain the joint shear strengths and assess the effects of critical parameters. Finite element analysis was conducted to investigate the force-transferring mechanism in the joint. Based on the experimental and numerical results, the contributions of the components of the shear strength model were evaluated quantitatively. The predicted joint shear strengths were in good agreement with the experimental results. The outcomes of this research could promote the potential application of the proposed joint.