Abstract    Results of an experimental investigation of the seismic performance of prefabricated column-footing connections are presented. Tests were conducted on six 1/4-scale prefabricated column specimens inserted into prefabricated footings in two Groups. Group-1 consisted of four specimens, which were tested under constant axial load and cyclic inelastic lateral displacements. The remaining two specimens in group-2, were subjected to cyclic inelastic lateral displacements only for comparison. Test results showed that this type of connection exhibits relatively higher ultimate strength comparable to fixed end connections, and fairly acceptable ductile behavior. Also the test results indicate the strength reduction in post-elastic state and the connection behavior as a semi-rigid joint.

Keywords    Prefabricated, Ductility, Cracking, Lateral Load, Earthquake, Connection, Energy Dissipation

References      1. Iranian Code for Minimum Applied Load to the Buildings, IS-519, (1960). 2. Iranian Code for Seismic Resistant Design of Buildings, IS-2800, (1988). 3. Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete, ACI-318M-89, (1989). 4. Neville, A. M. and Brooks, J. J., "Concrete Technology"., Longman, London, (1987). 5. Tasnimi, A. A, "Prediction of Forces Within Prestressed Sections", Ph.D Thesis, Dept. of Civil and Structural Engineering University of Bradford, UK (1988). 6. Junji O. and Toshio S., "Earthquake Damage Index for Reinforced Concrete Columns", Proceeding of the Ninth World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Japan, (Aug. 2-9, 1988) Vol. 4, 425. 7. Tasnimi, A. A, and Mossayebi, A. "Cyclic behavior of Exterior Beam-Column Joints in Precast Concrete Frames", 3rd International KERENSKY Conference on structural Engineering, Singapore, (20-22 July 1994). 8. Ang, B. G, Priestly, M. J. N and Paulay, T., "Seismic Shear 85-5, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Canterbury'', Christchurch New Zealand, July, (1985), 480. 9. Gajanan M., Sabnis, H. G. H. and Other, "Structural Modeling and Experimental Techniques", Prentice-Hall, Inc, England Cliffs, (1983).