Analytical and numerical investigation of "dry" jointed precast concrete frame sub-assemblies with steel angle and tube connections

This paper presents development of an analytical framework and finite element models that can reliably simulate the structural behaviour of a jointed precast concrete frame system with demountable angle or tube beam-column connections, whereas the experimental investigation findings are reported in a companion submission (Aninthaneni et al. in Bull Earthq Eng, 2019). Analytical equations to calculate the ultimate capacity of the proposed beam-column connections corresponding to different failure modes are also reported. The reliability of the developed analytical equations is evaluated by comparing the calculated lateral strength and stiffness of the frame sub-assemblies with the experimentally obtained values. Full details of two numerical modelling approaches that can be used to simulate the nonlinear cyclic behaviour of a precast concrete frame system with the proposed angle/tube beam-column joints are reported. The process of defining the coordinates of a typical backbone envelope for the nonlinear springs representing the connection along with the required input parameters for commonly used hysteretic models are detailed. Accuracy of the developed numerical models is assessed by conducting parametric study and comparing the simulated hysteresis plots and the structural performance parameters with the test results. The proposed analytical and finite element models found to reliably capture the hysteretic characteristics of a jointed precast concrete frame system with the proposed removable angle or tube beam-column connections.