Development of a New Precast Concrete Panel Wall System Incorporated with Energy Dissipative Dowel Connectors

Conventional methods of earthquake resistant design rely on the ductile behavior of the structural member for energy dissipation. It is required that the structure yields and experiences damage without collapse under a catastrophic event. For newly built structures, ductility requirement can be achieved by providing special detailing where inelastic deformation expected. However, the situation is not straightforward and complex for the existing or poorly detailed structures. In most case, rehabilitation becomes impossible due to insufficient techniques, high costs and long down-time. As a response to these shortcomings, a new Precast Concrete Panel Wall (PCPW) system with dowel connectors is introduced herein. In a moderate event, proposed system relies on the energy dissipated by the dowel connectors at panel attachments. The hysteretic energy dissipation will be concentrated on specially designed connectors and this will reduce the inelastic demand on existing elements. However, under the action of a major event, panels will intact with the frame and contribute stiffness by a diagonal strut action. This will prevent from total collapse of the structure. The dual response mechanisms of PCPW systems inspire us considering them as an alternative passive control system that would be used in strengthening works.