Experimental and numerical analysis of different vertical connections of precast shear walls with special regard towards deformability

Abstract

AbstractNowadays precast concrete multi‐story dual system structures require Finite Element Method structural analysis. The stiffness of the vertical connections between wall panels influences the internal forces distribution. European standard EN 1992‐1‐1 recommends verification of strength and deformability of precast connections to be assisted by testing. Six different connection layouts were tested under pure shear with a special attention towards deformability. All connections showed close to/equivalent monolithic initial stiffness. Depending on the connection layout, the post‐cracking stiffness is reduced. The equation for shear resistance of interfaces between concrete cast at different times according to EN 1992‐1‐1 can lead to significant estimation errors due to its weak physical meaning (in disagreement with experimental observed failure mechanisms). A non‐linear finite element analysis solution strategy is validated by experimental results that shows how stochastic parameters can inflict large variation in terms of strength and stiffness.