Finite Element Study: Rocking Wall-Floor Connection of Precast Concrete Load-Bearing Structures Subjected to Quasi-Static Lateral Loading

This paper proposes a novel semi-rigid rocking wall-floor connection. To study its seismic behavior, a preliminary study using finite element modeling (FEM) has been conducted to perceive the rocking wall response towards the precast plank before conducting a physical experimental testing in the laboratory. The finite element model was developed to investigate the lateral quasi-static-load response of the isolated rocking wall system. Subsequently, the rocking wall model was further extended by incorporating a precast concrete plank using the proposed connection. The finite element model of the rocking wall showed a good correlation with the analytical model. Furthermore, the study showed that a semi-rigid connection would result in an overstrength that should be considered when designing the rocking wall.