Effect of Connection Deficiency on Seismic Performance of Precast Concrete Shear Wall-Frame Structures

Abstract

The quality of precast concrete (PC) component connections is one of the main factors that affect the seismic reliability of PC structures. China is developing PC structures in high seismic regions, and it is important to assess the effect of connection deficiency on seismic performance of PC structures. This paper presents a comprehensive method to assess the seismic reliability of PC shear wall-frame structure whose wall panels are assembled through grouted sleeve connections which are susceptible to insufficient grouting. Considering the uncertainties associated with the number, locations and loading behavior of defected sleeve connections, the probabilistic behavior of PC shear wall with defected connections is estimated through point estimate method using simulation results of the experiment-validated finite element model. Then, a simple shear wall-frame building, designed for the seismic intensity of 8 according to China’s seismic design code, is modeled on platform of OpenSees. Static pushover analyses and seismic fragility analyses are performed on the structure with different degrees of connection deficiency, to investigate the effect of deficiency occurrence rate on seismic performance. The seismic performance is significantly affected by connection deficiencies; it no longer meets the requirement of seismic design as the deficiency occurrence rate exceeds 25%, so the occurrence rate of defected connections should be controlled carefully in construction site.