Analytical Investigation Between, Precast and In-Situ Concrete Under Seismic Condition

applied
sciences
Article
Analytical Investigation of the Differences between
Cast-In-Situ and Precast Beam-Column Connections
under Seismic Actions
Baoxi Song 1 , Dongsheng Du 1, *, Weiwei Li 1 , Shuguang Wang 1 , Yue Wang 1 and Decheng Feng 2
1 School of Civil Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China;
201761101643@njtech.edu.cn (B.S.); liweiwei@njtech.edu.cn (W.L.); wsg@njtech.edu.cn (S.W.);
201961126004@njtech.edu.cn (Y.W.)
2 School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; dcfeng@seu.edu.cn
* Correspondence: ddshy@njtech.edu.cn

Received: 27 October 2020; Accepted: 16 November 2020; Published: 22 November 2020
Featured Application: A reference for the nonlinear analysis of prefabricated frame structures in
high-intensity regions.
Abstract: At present, the engineering designers generally design and analyze the precast structural
models according to the equivalent cast-in-situ principle, and have a vague understanding of
non-identical problems. However, these issues cannot be ignored, especially for high-intensity areas.
This paper considers the differences of the hysteretic relationship between two typical precast joints
and cast-in-situ (RC) joints, and researches the influence of these differences on the seismic response
of frame structures. For the monolithic precast joint, the force mechanism was analyzed based on
its assembly form, and the differences with the RC joint in the testing phenomena were explained
accordingly. The dimensionless hysteresis models of two types of joints were proposed, and the
rationality of the monolithic precast joint model was verified according to the existing experimental
results. Different performances of joints were realized by assigning the constitutive models calculated
from sectional reinforcement to the spring elements of analysis models. Considering two possible
performance deficiencies of each type of precast joint separately, a total of seven structural analysis
models were formed. Nonlinear static analysis and dynamic time-history analysis methods were
adopted to reveal the differences between precast frames and the RC frame in terms of structural
capacity curve, displacement response, ductility demands of components and structural residual
deformation. The results showed that under strong seismic excitation, the response differences
between precast frames and the RC frame were significant, so it is worthwhile to establish nonlinear
models suitable for precast frames in seismic analysis. This study is valuable for understanding and
distinguishing the nonlinear response of precast frames and traditional RC frames.
Keywords: beam-column joint; monolithic precast connection; hybrid precast prestressed connection;
frame structure; dynamic response
1. Introduction
Precast concrete (PC) buildings have been developing vigorously worldwide in recent years,
and have become an alternative to traditional RC buildings [1]. Chinese government departments
also issued a series of policies to force the PC buildings to reach a certain proportion in new built
structures [2], so as to promote the development of PC buildings and the transformation of the
construction industry. In the past, the prefabrication method was mainly used to construct some
low-rise industrial plants and temporary houses [3]; the seismic grade of such buildings was not high,
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 8280; doi:10.3390/app10228280 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 8280 2 of 16
so the demand for seismic performance was also low. The prefabrication method satisfies the original
intention of rapid construction and cost saving of such buildings, so it had good applicability. As for
residential buildings, precast floor systems with masonry walls were widely used in China, but the lack
of effective connection among various parts led to insufficient integrity, and together with irregular
construction and other problems, huge drawbacks were exposed in the Wenchuan Earthquake [4].
Since then, Chinese engineering designers have begun to rethink the seismic performance of PC
buildings. At present, PC buildings are expected to meet the same requirements as RC buildings under
the same site conditions, which is an inevitable challenge in their development.
The seismic performance of PC buildings is directly affected by the connection behavior of
prefabricated components [5]. Among various connections, the beam-column connection is most
critical to frame structures, which is also the focus of current experimental researches. There are
generally two perspectives about the design of beam-column joint, which are summarized as using
emulated connections and non-emulated connections. For emulated connections [6], although the
structural forms are different, the materials used are almost the same. Pouring a certain amount of
concrete is required to guarantee the integrity of the joint. Designers only hope to achieve its nonlinear
performance as close as possible to the RC joint through changing some construction details. Therefore,
the design concept of “equivalent cast-in-situ” comes into being, and the RC joint is the only evaluation
criterion for emulated connections. For non-emulated connections, designers hope that through a
new material, new technology or a new force mechanism, the nonlinear behaviors of the joint can be
distinguished from the RC joint with unique advantages. Such a connection generally does not require
a large amount of concrete pouring to ensure the reliability. Due to the different design intention, the RC
joint can only be used as a reference when evaluating the performance of non-emulated connections,
and do not have any practical comparison significance.
The emulated connections can be divided into multiple forms according to the position of the
post-poured concrete. It is a good design idea to place the post-cast area in the beam mid-span to make
the beam-column junction which bears complex forces have good integrity (Figure 1a) [7]. However,
such a method is hardly used in recent years due to the inconvenience of fabrication, transportation
and hoisting of special-shaped components. The more commonly used connection method is to
place the post-cast area at the beam-column junction, so that the precast column can serve as an
effective support for beams thus to reduce the use of formwork [8]. Such a connection, which relies
on precast columns to bear the construction load, can be further divided into two types: shear keys
at the beam end (Figure 1b) [9] and U-shaped keyway at the beam end (Figure 1c) [10], of which the
precast columns can also be made into multistory columns [11]. There is also a form in which the
core area and the beam in one direction are precast as a whole, and connect the beam in the other
direction through sleeves at the beam end (Figure 1d) [12]. However, such a horizontal connection
of rebars is difficult to accurately locate during the hoisting of components, so it is rarely seen in
practical engineering. Therefore, the development of emulated connections is to seek the unity of
the construction convenience and the joint integrity, and the integrity must be established on the
basis of convenience; otherwise, it will be difficult for popularization. In order to better meet the
integrality requirements of the joint, some local reinforcement methods can be adopted. For example,
in beam ends and core areas, Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) can be used (Figure 1e) [13],
or headed bars can be attached (Figure 1f) [14], etc. However, such methods of strengthening locally
to transfer plastic hinges will increase the ductility demand of newly formed hinges [15], which is
disadvantageous for beams with relatively small spans.
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 8280 3 of 16
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 16
(a) (b) (c)
(d) (e) (f)

Figure 1. Emulated
Figure Emulatedconnection
connectionforms: (a) the
forms: (a) connection locatedlocated
the connection at the at
beamthe mid-span; (b) the
beam mid-span;
(b) located in
the connection
connection the core
located in area; (c) the
the core connection
area; located in the
(c) the connection beamin
located shell
theand
beamtheshell
core area; (d)
and the
the connection
core area; (d) thelocated at the
connection beam at
located end;
the (e)
beamtheend;
connection located at located
(e) the connection the beam endbeam
at the and in
endthe core
and in
area; (f) the connection attached with headed bars.
the core area; (f) the connection attached with headed bars.
Through
Through thethe combination
combination of of new
new materials (e.g., steel
materials (e.g., steel members
members [16–18],
[16–18], prestressed
prestressed tendons
tendons [19],
[19],
energy
energy dissipation
dissipation devices
devices [20,21],
[20,21], etc.)
etc.) and
and construction
construction technology
technology (e.g.,
(e.g., bolted
bolted connection
connection and and
welding, etc.), the force mechanism in a non-emulated connection differs from
welding, etc.), the force mechanism in a non-emulated connection differs from that of an RC joint. that of an RC joint.
Among
Among them,
them, the
the hybrid
hybrid connection
connection system
system (Figure
(Figure 2a)2a) developed
developed by by the
the PRESSS
PRESSS research
research project
project
has
has been
been highly
highly favored
favored inin recent
recent years.
years. The
The design
design perspective
perspective of of such
such aa connection
connection isis to
to combine
combine
the
the nonlinear
nonlinear elastic
elastic system
system containing
containing onlyonly unbonded
unbonded prestressed
prestressed tendons
tendons (Figure
(Figure 3a)
3a) with
with thethe
tension-compression
tension-compression yield system containing only common rebars (Figure 3b) to obtain a hybrid
yield system containing only common rebars (Figure 3b) to obtain a hybrid
connection
connection system
system with
with both
both self-centering ability and
self-centering ability and energy
energy dissipation
dissipation capacity
capacity (Figure
(Figure 3c)3c) [22].
[22].
The self-centering ability of the joint can be reasonably designed by adjusting
The self-centering ability of the joint can be reasonably designed by adjusting the bending momentthe bending moment
ratio
ratio of
of prestressed
prestressed tendons
tendons [23].
[23]. In
In order
order to
to facilitate
facilitate the
the installation
installation of of the
the floor
floor and
and the
the replacement
replacement
of damaged components after an earthquake, the connection form of external
of damaged components after an earthquake, the connection form of external energy dissipation energy dissipation rebars
(Figure 2b,c) has been developed in recent years [24].
rebars (Figure 2b,c) has been developed in recent years [24].
(a) (b) (c)

Figure 2.
Figure 2. Non-emulated connection forms:
Non-emulated connection forms: (a)
(a) mild
mild steel located inside
steel located inside the
the beam;
beam; (b)
(b) mild
mild steel
steel bolted
bolted
to the
to the beam
beam side;
side; (c)
(c) mild
mild steel
steel welded
welded to
to the
the beam
beam side.
side.
(a) (b) (c)

Figure 3.3.Description
Figure Description of hysteresis
of hysteresis characteristics:
characteristics: (a) nonlinear
(a) nonlinear elastic(b)system;
elastic system; (b) tension-
tension-compression
compression
yield system; yield system;
(c) hybrid (c) hybrid
connection connection system.
system.
At present, the
At present, theprecast
precastbeam-column
beam-columnconnection
connection presents
presents a diversified
a diversified development
development trend,
trend, and
and new structural forms emerge constantly. Scholars often use experimental research to evaluate
new structural forms emerge constantly. Scholars often use experimental research to evaluate whether
whether new connection
new connection methods methods have
have the the potential
potential to betopromoted
be promotedto to high-intensityareas.
high-intensity areas.The
The related
simulation methods and parameter analysis mostly focused on the precast structure itself [25–27].
However, for emulated connections, the nonlinear characteristics are always different from those of
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 8280 4 of 16

simulation methods and parameter analysis mostly focused on the precast structure itself [25–27]. However,
RC emulated
for joints, and the influence
connections, the of these differences
nonlinear on the
characteristics arewhole
alwaysstructure
different isfrom
stillthose
unclear;
of RCforjoints,
non-
emulated connections, there are few reports on the structural nonlinear response. These
and the influence of these differences on the whole structure is still unclear; for non-emulated connections, are the
motivations
there are fewof this work.
reports on the structural nonlinear response. These are the motivations of this work.
Based on the existing researches, this paper focused on the differences in in nonlinear
nonlinear behaviors
between precast
precastjoints
jointsand
andRCRC joints, and proposed the dimensionless hysteresis
joints, and proposed the dimensionless hysteresis models models
for twofortypes
two
types
of of joints.
joints. For each For each
type type of connection,
of connection, two nonlinear
two possible possible nonlinear
behaviors behaviors
with defects with
weredefects were
considered
considered respectively. According to the considered situations, a total of seven
respectively. According to the considered situations, a total of seven frame structure models were frame structure
models wereand
established, established, and the
the differences in differences in seismicofperformance
seismic performance of various
various structures werestructures
researched wereby
researchedstatic
nonlinear by nonlinear
analysis andstatic analysis
dynamic and dynamic
time-history time-history
analysis. analysis.
Reasonable Reasonable
suggestions for thesuggestions
application
forprecast
of the application
frames wereof precast frameson
put forward were
the put
baseforward on the base
of the analysis of the analysis results.
results.
2. A Typical Emulated Connection—Monolithic Precast

Precast Joint
Joint
2.1. Force Mechanism

2.1. Force Mechanism
The
The mechanical
mechanical behaviorbehavior of of the
the monolithic
monolithic precast precast joint
joint is
is closely
closely related
related to to its
its structural
structural form.
form.
The typical form
The typical formisisshownshowninin Figure
Figure 4, and
4, and its main
its main difference
difference withwith
the RCthejoint
RC joint
is theis the existence
existence of the
of
interface between new and old concretes. In the past, people took this adverse factor into
the interface between new and old concretes. In the past, people took this adverse factor into
consideration,
consideration, made made the theupper
upperand andlower
lowerend endfacesfacesofof
thetheprecast
precast column
column into rough
into roughsurfaces, andand
surfaces, set
shear keys
set shear on the
keys beam
on the endend
beam faces to ensure
faces to ensure effective transfer
effective of shear
transfer forces
of shear between
forces betweenthe new andand
the new old
concretes. However, the existence of the interface is also extremely
old concretes. However, the existence of the interface is also extremely unfavorable for bending unfavorable for bending failure,
and it has
failure, andrarely been
it has considered
rarely until now. As
been considered untilshownnow.in AsFigure
shown4, under a rightward
in Figure 4, under horizontal force,
a rightward
the lower side
horizontal force,ofthe
thelower
right side
beamofisthein right
tension,
beam and thetension,
is in interface andbetween the new
the interface and old
between theconcretes
new and
(a potential crack) is easily pulled off, causing the stress concentration
old concretes (a potential crack) is easily pulled off, causing the stress concentration of the of the longitudinal reinforcement
at this interface.
longitudinal With the increase
reinforcement of deformation,
at this interface. With the the concrete
increase of of column protective
deformation, layerof
the concrete spalls
column off,
and the strain of the rebar penetrates into the core area. The diagonal compression
protective layer spalls off, and the strain of the rebar penetrates into the core area. The diagonal truss (shaded area)
formed by thetruss
compression compression
(shadedzone area)offormed
the beam byandthe the column is subjected
compression zone of the to increased
beam andvertical tension,
the column is
and diagonal
subjected cracks are
to increased more easily
vertical tension, formed. When the
and diagonal loadare
cracks is reversed
more easily (reciprocating
formed. When seismic load),
the load is
the lower(reciprocating
reversed side of the right beamload),
seismic is under the compression
lower side of again. the right At beam
this time,
is underdue to the cracking
compression and
again.
local spalling of the concrete, the restraint at the beam end is weakened,
At this time, due to the cracking and local spalling of the concrete, the restraint at the beam end is which is more likely to cause
concentrated
weakened, which damage. is moreIn addition,
likely to the
cause existence of the beam
concentrated damage. seating length reduces
In addition, the effective
the existence of the width
beam
of the core area, thus reducing its shear strength [28].
seating length reduces the effective width of the core area, thus reducing its shear strength [28].
Figure 4.
Figure 4. Force
Force mechanism
mechanism of
of the
the monolithic
monolithic precast joint.
precast joint.
aforementioned force
Some testing phenomena well confirm the aforementioned force mechanism.
mechanism. Figure 5 shows the
general description of the beam rebar strain of joints which conform to theto“strong
general description of the beam rebar strain of joints which conform the “strong
columncolumn weak
weak beam”
beam” principle.
principle. DuringDuring thestage,
the elastic elasticthe
stage, thedistribution
strain strain distribution of the
of the rebar rebar is basically
is basically consistentconsistent
with the
with the bending moment distribution, which reaches the maximum at the beam end and decreases
rapidly in the core area. During the plastic stage, the strain distribution of monolithic precast joint is
significantly different from that of RC joint. The yield range of the RC joint rebar is generally located
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 8280 5 of 16
bending moment distribution, which reaches the maximum at the beam end and decreases rapidly in
the
Appl.core area.10,During
Sci. 2020, the plastic
x FOR PEER REVIEWstage, the strain distribution of monolithic precast joint is significantly 5 of 16
different from that of RC joint. The yield range of the RC joint rebar is generally located at the beam
end,
at and theend, maximum strain is located slightly away fromaway column surface (the concrete spalling
at the
the beam
beam end, and and the
the maximum
maximum strain
strain is is located
located slightly
slightly away fromfrom column
column surface
surface (the
(the concrete
concrete
area).
spalling The yield range of the monolithic precast joint rebar is located at the beam end and in the core
spalling area).
area). The
The yield
yield range
range of
of the
the monolithic
monolithic precast
precast joint
joint rebar
rebar is
is located
located atat the
the beam
beam endend and
and in in
area,
the andarea,
the length is relatively short, while the maximum strain of the rebarofis the
located atisthe column
the core area, and the length is relatively short, while the maximum strain of the rebar is located at
core and the length is relatively short, while the maximum strain rebar located at
surface
the columnor even inside
surface or the
evencore area.the
inside For precast
core area. joints,
For it is impossible
precast joints, it for
is the bottom
impossible longitudinal
for the bottom
the column surface or even inside the core area. For precast joints, it is impossible for the bottom
bar to pass through
longitudinal the core area, and inarea,order to in avoid congestion of the rebars, headed bars are
longitudinal bar bar toto pass
pass through
through the
the core
core area, and and in order
order to to avoid
avoid congestion
congestion of of the
the rebars,
rebars, headed
headed
often
bars used.
are However,
often used. due to thedue
However, existence
to the ofexistence
beam end of seating
beam length
end and the
seating allowable
length and construction
the allowable
bars are often used. However, due to the existence of beam end seating length and the allowable
error, the anchoringthe
construction length of the rebar is limited; coupled with the preference for large-diameter and
construction error,
error, the anchoring
anchoring length
length of of the
the rebar
rebar isis limited;
limited; coupled
coupled with
with the
the preference
preference for for large-
large-
high-strength
diameter rebars in the projects in recent years, it isrecent
more difficult to ensure the effective bonding
diameter and and high-strength
high-strength rebars
rebars inin the
the projects
projects inin recent years,
years, it
it is
is more
more difficult
difficult to
to ensure
ensure thethe
of reinforcements.
effective bonding of reinforcements.
effective bonding of reinforcements.
(a)
(a) (b)
(b)
Figure 5. Comparison
Figure 5. Comparison of
of rebar strain: (a)
rebar strain: (a) RC
RC joint;
joint; (b)
(b) monolithic
monolithic precast
precast joint.
joint.
Figure 6 gives the general description of the joint crack distribution. joints, there are
Figure 6 gives the the general
general description
description of thethe joint
joint crack
crack distribution.
distribution. For
For RC
RC joints, there are
fewer diagonal cracks in the core area, the damage is concentrated in the plastic hinge region at the
fewer diagonal cracks in the core area, the damage is concentrated in the plastic hinge region at the
beam end and bending cracks are scattered in a longer range of the beam (generally, there are more
beam end and bending cracks are scattered in a longer range of the beam (generally, there are more
reinforcements in the upper part of the beam, so the lower part of the beam suffers more severe
reinforcements in the upper part of the beam, so the lower part of the beam suffers more severe
damage). For monolithic precast joints, there are more diagonal cracks ininthe core area, the damage is
damage). For monolithic
monolithic precast
precast joints,
joints, there
there are
are more
more diagonal
diagonal cracks
cracks in the
the core
core area,
area, the
the damage
damage
concentrated
is in thethe
tension-compression zonezone at the beam-column junction and the distribution range
is concentrated
concentrated in in the tension-compression
tension-compression zone at at the
the beam-column
beam-column junction
junction and
and the
the distribution
distribution
of the bending
range of the cracks iscracks
bending shorter.isTherefore,
shorter. the energy the
Therefore, dissipation
energy capacity of monolithic
dissipation capacity ofprecast joints
monolithic
range of the bending cracks is shorter. Therefore, the energy dissipation capacity of monolithic
is usually
precast weaker
joints is than that
usually of RC
weaker joints.
than that of RC joints.
precast joints is usually weaker than that of RC joints.
(a)
(a) (b)
(b)
Figure 6. Comparison of crack distribution: (a) RC joint; (b) monolithic precast joint.
Figure 6. Comparison of crack distribution: (a) RC joint; (b) monolithic precast joint.
2.2. Dimensionless
2.2. Dimensionless Hysteresis
Hysteresis Model
Model
The description
descriptionofof
The description the
ofthe force
theforce mechanism
mechanism
force mechanism of
of the
of the typical
typical
the emulated
emulated
typical precast
emulated precast
concrete
precast concrete
(PCE) (PCE)
concrete joint
joint shows
(PCE) joint
shows
shows that its main differences with the RC joint include: (1) The interface between the new and old
that its that
main its main differences
differences with the with
RC the
joint RC joint
include: include:
(1) The (1) The
interface interface
between between
the new andthe new
old and
concretes
old
concretes
will crackwill
concretes crack
crack prematurely;
prematurely;
will (2)
(2) The
(2) The damage
prematurely; The damage is
is concentrated
is concentrated
damage near thenear
concentrated the
the interface,
interface,
near and theand
interface, and the
the concrete
concrete at the
concrete
at
at the
beam beam
the end
beam isend
more
end is more
more easily
is easily crushed,
easily crushed,
seriously
crushed, seriously deteriorating
deteriorating
seriously the
the bearing
the bearing
deteriorating capacity
bearing capacity
of theof
capacity of the
joint joint
joint under
theunder large
under
large deformation;
deformation;
large deformation; (3) The
(3) The(3)concrete concrete
damage
The concrete damage
area and
damage area
area and
theand the
yield yield
thelength length of
of the rebar
yield length the
of theare rebar are
shorter,
rebar shorter, and
and theand
are shorter, the
energy
the
energy dissipation
dissipation capacity capacity
of the of the
joint is joint
weaker; is weaker;
(4) The (4) The
pinch pinch
effect effect
of the of the
hysteresis
energy dissipation capacity of the joint is weaker; (4) The pinch effect of the hysteresis curve caused hysteresis
curve curve
caused caused
by the
by
by the
rebar rebar
rebar slippage
theslippage is
is more
is more obvious,
slippage more andobvious, and
and the
the reloading
obvious, reloading
thestiffness
reloading stiffness
is smaller. is
is smaller.
stiffnessBased Based
on the above
smaller. on
on the
the above
Based characteristics
above
characteristics
characteristics of the monolithic precast joint, this paper proposes a dimensionless trilinear skeleton
of the monolithic precast joint, this paper proposes a dimensionless trilinear skeleton
model,
model, andand the
the hysteresis
hysteresis curve
curve of of the
the joint
joint can
can bebe realized
realized by by assigning
assigning the the corresponding
corresponding hysteresis
hysteresis
rules to the skeleton
rules to the skeleton model. model.
Figure
Figure 77 shows
shows the the comparison
comparison of of the
the monolithic
monolithic precast
precast joint
joint skeleton
skeleton (dashed
(dashed line)line) and
and the
the RC
RC
joint skeleton (solid line). For (1), the monolithic precast joint loses its initial
joint skeleton (solid line). For (1), the monolithic precast joint loses its initial stiffness earlier and stiffness earlier and
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 8280 6 of 16
of the monolithic precast joint, this paper proposes a dimensionless trilinear skeleton model, and the
hysteresis curve of the joint can be realized by assigning the corresponding hysteresis rules to the
skeleton model.
Appl. Figure
Appl. Sci.
Sci. 2020,
710,shows
2020, 10, xx FOR
FOR PEER
the comparison
PEER REVIEW
REVIEW
of the monolithic precast joint skeleton (dashed line) and the RC
66 of
of 16
16
joint skeleton (solid line). For (1), the monolithic precast joint loses its initial stiffness earlier and begins
begins pointatApoint
to yieldtoatyield p , while App,the
whileRC the jointRC
canjoint
maintain the initial
can maintain thestiffness to point A
initial stiffness tor .point
For (2),
Arr.the
ForRC(2),joint
the
has a longer yield platform until the maximum rotation angle (0.035)
RC joint has a longer yield platform until the maximum rotation angle (0.035) specified in the code specified in the code [29] without
strength
[29] without softening,
strength while the monolithic
softening, while the precast
monolithic joint quickly
precast softens after reaching
joint quickly softens after the peak strength
reaching the
at point
peak Bp . For
strength at(3),
point theBTakeda
pp. For (3), hysteresis
the Takedarulehysteresis
is applied rule to both joints; the
is applied area joints;
to both of the hysteresis
the area ofloop the
formed by loading from
hysteresis loop formed byi loading θ to θ shows that
i+1 from θii to θi+1 the energy dissipation capacity of the monolithic
i+1 shows that the energy dissipation capacity of the precast
joint is poor.precast
monolithic For (4),joint dueistopoor.
the softening
For (4), dueof the strength,
to the it is of
softening also
theeasy to conclude
strength, it is also that theto
easy stiffness
conclude kip
loaded
that theto θi is lower
stiffness than kto
kipip loaded ir . Therefore,
θ ii is lower the
than proposed
k ir
ir. dimensionless
Therefore, the skeleton
proposed and
dimensionlessits hysteresis
skeleton model
and
conform
its hysteresisto the general
model nonlinear
conform to the characteristics
general nonlinear of monolithic precastofjoints.
characteristics monolithic precast joints.
Figure 7. Dimensionless
Dimensionless models
models of
of PCE
PCE joints
joints and
and RC
RC joints.
In order
order to toverify
verifythetherationality andand
rationality universal applicability
universal of the
applicability ofproposed model,model,
the proposed the testthe
results
test
of 12 precast joints are processed in a dimensionless manner, and the comparison
results of 12 precast joints are processed in a dimensionless manner, and the comparison with the with the proposed
model is shown
proposed model in Figure 8in(in
is shown the test
Figure of the
8 (in Yang,
testa of
floor exists
Yang, and exists
a floor the loadandis the
applied
load at beam end,
is applied at
so only
beam thesopositive
end, only theresults
positiveareresults
compared). It can beItconcluded
are compared). that thethat
can be concluded proposed trilineartrilinear
the proposed model
well reflects
model the trend
well reflects theof the skeleton
trend curve of
of the skeleton the monolithic
curve precastprecast
of the monolithic joint atjoint
different loadingloading
at different stages.
The insufficient
stages. ductilityductility
The insufficient of someof joints
some can alsocan
joints be observed in the comparison.
also be observed In addition,
in the comparison. with the
In addition,
samethe
with size andsize
same reinforcement design, design,
and reinforcement the bearing capacitycapacity
the bearing of the precast joint may
of the precast jointbemay
slightly lower
be slightly
than that of the RC joint, which will also be considered in the subsequent case
lower than that of the RC joint, which will also be considered in the subsequent case analysis. analysis.
(a) (b) (c) (c)
(d) (e) (f) (g)

Figure 8.8. Validation
Validationofofdimensionless
dimensionlessmodel: model:(a)(a)
Wu et et
Wu al.al.
[30]; (b)
[30]; Shariatmadar
(b)(b) and
Shariatmadar
Shariatmadar Zamani
andand [31];
Zamani
Zamani (c)
[31];[31];
(c)
Liu et al.[32];
(c) Liu (d) Zhang
et al. [32]; [33];[33];
(d) Zhang (e)–(g) Yang
(e)–(g) [34].[34].
Yang
3. A Typical Non-Emulated Connection—Hybrid Precast Prestressed (PCH) Joint

As shown in Figure 9,9, the skeleton curve of
of the PCH joint is also expressed by a trilinear model,
where the stiffness before yielding kyy can be considered to be same as that of the RC joint, and the
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 8280 7 of 16
3. A Typical Non-Emulated Connection—Hybrid Precast Prestressed (PCH) Joint

As shown in Figure 9, the skeleton curve of the PCH joint is also expressed by a trilinear model,
where the stiffness before yielding ky can be considered to be same as that of the RC joint, and the yield
bearing capacity My is designable. The stiffness after yielding ks is mainly affected by the span-depth
ratio of beam. It is considered that the joint has a good ductility level, and the decrease of section
B–C of the
section B–Cbearing capacitycapacity
of the bearing is mainly is caused
mainly by the crushing
caused of concrete
by the crushing in the high
of concrete stress
in the higharea at
stress
the
areacorner
at the of the beam
corner of theend.
beamTheend.ideal
The hysteresis loop of
ideal hysteresis a PCH
loop joint joint
of a PCH is flag
is shaped (see (see
flag shaped Figure 3c).
Figure
However, in practice, as the proportion of bending moment of the energy
3c). However, in practice, as the proportion of bending moment of the energy dissipation rebarsdissipation rebars increases,
the residual
increases, deformation
the of the joint of
residual deformation also increases
the joint also gradually,
increasesand is even close
gradually, and istoeven
that of RC to
close joint [23].
that of
In order to reasonably reflect the self-centering characteristic of the joint, this
RC joint [23]. In order to reasonably reflect the self-centering characteristic of the joint, this paperpaper sacrifices the
accurate
sacrificesestimation
the accurate ofestimation
the energyofdissipation
the energycapacity,
dissipationand uses theand
capacity, Pivot
usesmodel [35] model
the Pivot to define
[35]the
to
hysteresis
define the rule of therule
hysteresis joint. Thejoint.
of the residual deformation
The residual θres afterθres
deformation unloading is a determined
after unloading value
is a determined
calculated
value calculatedby an byempirical formula
an empirical [36]. Due
formula [36].toDue
space limitations,
to space we will
limitations, wenotwillintroduce the force
not introduce the
mechanism of this joint in detail.
force mechanism of this joint in detail.
Figure 9.
Figure 9. Calculation model of PCH joints.
In the subsequent
subsequentanalysis,
analysis,two
twospecial
special cases
cases areare considered:
considered: (1) When
(1) When therethere
is noisorno or aonly
only a
small
small
amount amount of energy
of energy dissipation
dissipation rebar, rebar, thewill
the joint jointshow
will nonlinear
show nonlinear elasticity,
elasticity, which which is similar
is similar to the
to the situation in Figure 3a; (2) During construction, the energy dissipation rebars are
situation in Figure 3a; (2) During construction, the energy dissipation rebars are anchored by welding anchored by
welding [37]
[37] or the or the unbonded
unbonded length oflength of theisrebars
the rebars is insufficient,
insufficient, and theyand
willthey will undergo
undergo brittle fracture
brittle fracture during
during large deformation.
large deformation.
4. Structural Models
4. Structural Models and
and Nonlinear
Nonlinear Static
Static Analysis
Analysis
4.1. Overview of Frame Models
4.1. Overview of Frame Models
In order to understand the differences in seismic performance between the two types of
In order to understand the differences in seismic performance between the two types of
prefabricated frame structures and the RC frame structures under strong earthquakes, a representative
prefabricated frame structures and the RC frame structures under strong earthquakes, a
frame structure model was designed. According to the Chinese standard [38], the ground motion
representative frame structure model was designed. According to the Chinese standard [38], the
design information of this model is: the seismic fortification intensity is 8 degrees, the basic design
ground motion design information of this model is: the seismic fortification intensity is 8 degrees, the
acceleration is 0.2 g, and the characteristic site period is 0.4 s. The elevation view of the frame is shown
basic design acceleration is 0.2 g, and the characteristic site period is 0.4 s. The elevation view of the
in Figure 10: the structure has eight floors, the height of each floor is 3.0 m, and the beam span is
frame is shown in Figure 10: the structure has eight floors, the height of each floor is 3.0 m, and the
6.0 m. The uniform load on the beam comes from the filler wall load on the beam and the dead load
beam span is 6.0 m. The uniform load on the beam comes from the filler wall load on the beam and
and live load of the half-span (3.9 m) floor, while the concentrated load on the joint comes from the
the dead load and live load of the half-span (3.9 m) floor, while the concentrated load on the joint
longitudinal wall load. The concrete grade of beams and columns is C40, with a compressive strength
comes from the longitudinal wall load. The concrete grade of beams and columns is C40, with a
of 26.8 N/mm2 ; the type of rebar is2 HRB400, and its yield strength is 400 N/mm2 and the ultimate2
compressive strength of 26.8 N/mm ; the type of rebar is HRB400, and its yield strength is 400 N/mm
strength is 540 N/mm2 [39]. Section size and reinforcement information is shown in Table 1. In the
and the ultimate strength is 540 N/mm2 [39]. Section size and reinforcement information is shown in
nonlinear model, both beam hinges and column hinges are set at the member ends. The bearing
Table 1. In the nonlinear model, both beam hinges and column hinges are set at the member ends.
capacity skeletons of beam hinges are calculated through the sectional reinforcement to define the
The bearing capacity skeletons of beam hinges are calculated through the sectional reinforcement to
define the bending springs and assign the corresponding hysteresis rules (as described in Sections 2
and 3), while the column hinges adopt P-M2-M3 hinges.
Appl. Appl.
Sci. 2020,
Sci. 10, 8280
2020, 10, x FOR
FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 16
8 ofof1616
16
Appl.
Appl.Appl.Sci.
Sci. 2020,
Sci.
2020, 10,10,
2020, x xFOR
x10,
FOR PEER REVIEW
PEER
PEER REVIEW
REVIEW 8 8of8of16
39kN/m
39kN/m
39kN/m 39kN/m
39kN/m
39kN/m
39kN/m 39kN/m
bending springs and assign the corresponding hysteresis rules (as described in Sections 2 and 3),
while Appl.
the Sci. 2020, 10,
column x FOR
Appl.PEER
hinges Sci. 2020,
adopt REVIEW
10, x FOR
P-M2-M3 Appl.
PEERSci.REVIEW
hinges. 2020, 10, x FOR
Appl.
PEERSci.REVIEW
2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 16 8 o
39kN/m 39kN/m 39kN/m 39kN/m 39kN/m 39kN/m 39kN/m 39kN/m
39kN/m 39kN/m
Column
Column
Column
Column
hinge
3m×8=24m
hinge
hinge
3m×8=24m
3m×8=24m 3m×8=24m
hinge
3m×8=24m
Column
Beam
Beam Column Column Column
Beam
Column Beam
hinge hinge hinge hinge
3m×8=24m
3m×8=24m
hinge
hinge
hinge
hinge
3m×8=24m
hinge
27 kN
272727
kN
42.45kN/m
kNkN
42.45kN/m
42.45kN/m
42.45kN/m
42.45kN/m 42.45kN/m
42.45kN/m
42.45kN/m
27kN
27kN
27kN Beam 27kN 27kN
27kN
27kN Beam Beam Beam
27kN
Beam hinge hinge hinge hinge
6m hinge 6m 6m
6m6m6m 6m 6m
27 kN 27 kN 27 kN 27 kN
42.45kN/m
27 kN 42.45kN/m 42.45kN/m 42.45kN/m 42.45kN/m 42.45kN/m 42.45kN/m 42.45kN/m
Figure10. 27kN
42.45kN/m
10.Frame
Frameload 42.45kN/m
loadand 27kN hinge
andplastic
plastic 27kN 27kN
arrangement. 27kN 27kN 27kN
Figure
Figure
Figure 10.
27kN10. Frame
Frame loadload
andand plastic
plastic hinge
hingehinge
27kN arrangement.
arrangement.
arrangement.
6m 6m 6m 6m 6m 6m 6m 6m
Table1.1.
Table
Table 1.Reinforcement
6mReinforcement
6m ofof
Reinforcement offrame
framesections.
frame sections.
sections.
Table 1. Reinforcement of frame sections.
Figure
Side
Side 10. Frame load
Figure
and10.
Middle
Middle plastic
Framehinge
load
Figure
arrangement.
Beam
Beam andon
plastic
on10. Frame
Floorshinge
load
arrangement.
Figure
andon
Beam plastic
10.Floors
on Frame
hinge
Floors load
arrangement.
and plastic hin
Section
Section
Section Figure
Figure
Side
Side
10.
10.Frame
Frameload
loadand
Middle
Middle
andplastic
plastichinge
Beam
hingeBeam onon
arrangement.Floors
arrangement.
Floors
Floors Beam
BeamBeam
on on Floors
Floors
Section Column
Column
Column Column
Column
Column 1–61–6
1–6 7–8
7–8
7–8
Column Column 1–6 7–8
Unilateral Table 1. Reinforcement
Tableof1.frame
Reinforcement
sections.
Table
of frame
1. Reinforcement
sections.Table of frame
1. Reinforcement
sections. of fram
Unilateral
Unilateral
Unilateral Table
Table
4
1. Reinforcement
1. Reinforcement
25 4
of frame sections.
of28frame sections. 3 22 3 20
reinforcement 4 4 4 252525 4 4 28
4 Middle
28 28 3 3
3 Side
22 2222 3on3 3
20 20
20
reinforcement
reinforcement
reinforcement Side Side Beam
Middle on Floors Beam Beam
Middle
Side Floors
on FloorsBeam
Beam
Middle
onon Floors
Floors B
Section
Reinforcement Section
Side Section
Middle Beam
Beam Section
on on Floors
Floors Beam on
Beam on Floors
Floors
Section
Reinforcement
Reinforcement
Section
Reinforcement Side Column
Column Middle
ColumnColumn Column
Column1–6 Column
Column
1–6 7–8 Column
1–67–8
Column
58925892
5892
5892 Column
73897389
7389
7389 1–6
2281 2281
1–6
2281
2281 7–8
7–8
18841884
1884
1884
area
area
area
area (mm (mm
(mm
Unilateral
(mm2) 2)2))
2
Unilateral Unilateral Unilateral
Unilateral reinforcement
Unilateral
Reinforcement 4 4 25 25 4 4 28 28 25 4 4 332822
2225 4 43328223 20
20 25 43 328
2220
Reinforcement
reinforcement
Reinforcement
Reinforcement
Reinforcement area (mm 2 ) reinforcement
4 1.6%
25
1.6%
5892 reinforcement
4 28
1.5%
7389 reinforcement
3 22
1.2%
2281 3 20
18841.0%
reinforcement 1.6%
1.6%
ratioratio Reinforcement 1.5%
1.5%1.5% 1.2%
1.2%1.2% 1.0%
1.0% 1.0%
ratio
Reinforcement
ratio
Reinforcementratio 1.6% Reinforcement
1.5% Reinforcement
1.2% 1.0%
Reinforcement area2) 5892 5892
7389 7389
5892
2281 7389
2281
58921884 7389
2281
1884
area (mm area
5892(mm2) 7389(mm2)
area 2281(mm2)
area 1884
(mm 2 )
Reinforcement Reinforcement Reinforcement Reinforcement
Reinforcement
Reinforcement
Reinforcement
Reinforcement ratio
diagram 1.6%
1.6% 1.5%1.6%
1.5% 1.5%
1.6%
1.2%1.2% 1.5%
1.2%
1.6%
1.0%1.0% 1.5%
1.2%
1.0%
diagram
ratio
diagram
diagram
diagram ratio ratio ratio
Reinforcement Reinforcement
diagram Reinforcement Reinforcement Reinforcement
AsAs
As shown
shown
diagram
shown in in
in Table
Table
Table 2,2,
2, seven
seven
diagram
seven nonlinear
nonlinear
nonlinear
As shown in Table 2, seven nonlinear behaviors of three types behaviors
behaviors
diagram
behaviors ofof
of three
three
three types
types
types ofstructural
structural
ofofstructural
diagram of structural forms
forms
forms forms areare are
are considered.
considered.
considered.
considered.
As
As shown in Table 2, seven nonlinear behaviors of three types of structural forms are considered.
AsAsAs aareference,
reference,
a areference,
reference, the
the the
theRC RC RC
RCjoint joint
joint
joint has has
has
has
goodgood
good
good performance
performance
performance
performance indexes.
indexes.
indexes.
indexes. For ForFor
ForPCE PCE PCE
PCE joint, joint,
joint,
joint, asasasasmentioned
mentioned
mentioned
mentioned before,
before,
before,
before, it
it itit
As a yields
reference, earlierthe and RC joint the has good
bearing performance
capacity degrades indexes. earlier. ForConsidering
PCE joint, asthe mentioned
insufficient before,
bearing it yields
capacity
yields
yields
yields earlier
earlier
earlier and and
andthe the
the bearing
bearing
bearing capacity
capacity
capacity degrades
degrades
degrades earlier.
earlier.
earlier. Considering
Considering
Considering thethethe insufficient
insufficient
insufficient bearing
bearing
bearing capacity
capacity
capacity
earlier
As
of and
shown
the thein
PCE bearing
Table
joint, 2,
thecapacity
seven
bending degrades
nonlinear
moment earlier.
behaviors
of its Considering
ofnonlinear
skeleton three types
curve theof insufficient
in structural
Figure 7 bearing
isforms
reduced arecapacity
considered.
by 20%, of thethereby
ofofthe
the PCE
As PCE shownjoint,
joint,in theTable
the bending
As 2,
bending shown
seven moment
nonlinear
in
momentTable ofAs
ofits
2, itsskeleton
behaviors
seven
shown
skeleton
of the PCE joint, the bending moment of its skeleton curve in Figure 7 is reduced by 20%, thereby in ofcurve
Table
three
curve Asin
2, in Figure
behaviors
types
seven
shown
Figure of 7
nonlinear is
structural
in
of 7Table
three
isreducedtypes
2,
behaviors
reduced forms
seven by
of by 20%,
are
structural
nonlinear
of
20%, thereby
considered.
three types
behaviors
formsof
thereby arestructural
conside
of three
PCE
As joint, the bending
aobtaining
reference,
obtaining the RC
PCE-S moment
joint has
joint. of
In its skeleton
good performance
consideration curve
of in Figure
indexes.
the insufficient 7 isPCE
For reduced
ductilityjoint, byasof 20%,
mentioned
the thereby
PCE joint, obtaining
before,
the it
rotation
As a
obtaining
obtaining the
reference,
thethe PCE-S
PCE-SPCE-Sthe
As joint.
RC
ajoint.
joint. In
reference,
joint consideration
has the
goodAs
In consideration
In consideration RC a of
performance
joint the
reference,has
of the
of the insufficient
good
the
indexes.
AsRCperformance
insufficient
insufficient a jointductility
reference,
For has
ductility
ductility PCE goodof
indexes.
the the
joint,
of theof theRC PCE
performance
PCE asjoint
For
PCE joint,
mentioned
PCE
has
joint,
joint, the
good
joint, rotation
indexes.
thethe before,
performance
as
rotation
rotation mentioned
For it PCE joint,
indexes
befor as
the PCE-S
yields earlier
angle joint.
of and
C in InFigure
the consideration
bearing 7 is capacity
reduced of theto insufficient
degrades
0.025, earlier.
thus ductility
Considering
obtaining of the
the the
PCE-D PCE joint,PCH
insufficient
joint. the bearing
rotation
joint is angle of that
capacity
designed
angle
angle
angle ofofC
yields ofpCin
p in
earlier
C p inFigure
and
p FigureFigure 7 7is7is
yields
the reduced
bearing
isearlier
reduced
reduced toto0.025,
capacity
and 0.025,
tothe
yields
0.025, thus
bearing
degrades
thusearlier
thus obtaining
capacity
earlier.
and the
obtaining
obtaining thethe
yields
degrades
the PCE-D
Considering
bearingearlier
PCE-D PCE-D joint.
capacity
earlier.
and
joint.thePCH
joint. thePCH
insufficient
Considering
degrades
bearing
PCH joint
joint is designed
iscapacity
joint earlier.
bearing
isthe insufficient
designed
designed that
Considering
degrades
capacity
that that bearing
earlier.
the insuffi
capa
Con
Cpthe
of inthe
Figure
PCE proportion7 isthe
joint, reduced
of bending
the to 0.025,
bending moment thus
moment of obtaining
its skeleton
of energy the PCE-D
curve
dissipation inof joint.
Figure
rebars PCH
7is is
is joint 30%
reduced
about is designed
by when20%, the that
thereby
joint theyields
the
of
theproportion
the PCE
proportion of
joint,of the
ofthe bending
thebending
PCE
bending moment
joint,
moment
moment the
of of
the
ofenergy
bending
of PCE
its
energy dissipation
skeleton
joint,
moment the
dissipation
the proportion of the bending moment of energy dissipation rebars is about 30% when the joint yields of
curve
the rebars
bending
its PCE
in
rebarsskeleton
Figure isabout
joint,
moment 7
aboutthe
curve
is30%
of
reduced
bending
30% its
in whenFigure
skeleton
when the
by
moment
the joint
20%,
7 is
curve
joint yields
reduced
thereby
of its
in
yields Figure
skeleton
by 20%,
7 is
curve
ther
red
proportion
obtaining
[23]. the
In ofconsideration
the bending
PCE-S joint. moment
Inof the of energy
consideration
brittle of
fracture dissipation
the of insufficient rebarsductility
reinforcement, is about
it is 30%
of
deemed the whenPCEthat the
joint,
the jointthe
energy yields
rotation [23].
dissipation
[23].InInconsideration
[23].
[23]. Inconsideration
obtaining the PCE-S
consideration ofof
obtaining ofthe
joint.
the the brittle
In
the
brittle
brittle fracture
consideration
PCE-S obtaining
fracture
fracture ofofreinforcement,
joint. ofreinforcement,
In
of the
consideration
thePCE-S insufficient
reinforcement, it itisof
obtaining
joint. itis
In deemed
ductility
isthe
the
deemedconsideration
deemed ofthat
insufficient
PCE-S that the the
joint.
that
the PCE
the energy
ductility
ofIn the
joint, dissipation
consideration
energy
energy insufficient
of
the therotation
dissipation
dissipation PCE ductility
of joint,
the insufficien
the
of rotat
the P
In consideration
angle of Cp of
rebars inof Figure
the ofPCH
the brittle
7 angle
isjoint
reduced
joint fracture
will tofail
all failofwhen
0.025, reinforcement,
thus obtaining
the rotation it the
is deemed
angle PCE-Dreaches that
joint. the
0.02,PCH energy
and joint
after dissipation
is designed
the failure, rebars
that
the joint
rebars
angle
rebars of
of the
Cthe PCH
in Figure
PCH joint 7 will
of
is
will C all
reduced
in
all failwhen
Figure
to angle
0.025,
when 7 the
is of
the rotation
C
reduced
thus in
obtaining
rotation angle
Figure
to angle
0.025,
angle
rebars of the PCH joint will all fail when the rotation angle reaches 0.02, and after the failure, the joint
p p p 7 reaches
the
is of
thus
reaches C
reduced
PCE-D p 0.02,
obtaining
in Figure
0.02, and
joint.
to 0.025,
and after
PCH
the
7 is thus
after the
PCE-D
reduced
joint
the failure,
obtaining
isjoint.
designed
to
failure, the
0.025,
PCHthe
the joint
thus
PCE-D
joint
that
joint obtaining
is designed
joint. PCHthet
of proportion
the the PCH
will lose joint
of the
the will all dissipation
bending
energy failmoment
when the oftherotation
energy
capacity angle
dissipation
and only reaches
the rebars 0.02,
prestressedis about andtendons afterwhen
30% thework. failure,
theConsidering
joint theyields
Considering joint the
will
the
will lose
lose the
proportion the energy
of
energy the
the dissipation
proportion
bending
dissipation capacity
moment
of the
capacity and
bending
of
proportion
energy
and only
moment
only
will lose the energy dissipation capacity and only the prestressed tendons work. Considering the the
dissipation
of the
the prestressed
theofbending
proportion
energy
rebars
prestressed tendons
moment
dissipation
is of
about
tendonsthe of work.
bending
30%
energy
rebars
work. when moment
is
dissipation
about
the
Considering joint30%
of the
yields
energy
rebars
when
the is
dissipation
theabout
joint 30%
yie
will In
[23]. lose the energy
consideration
insufficient dissipation
of
configuration the brittle of capacity
fracture
energy and
of only the
reinforcement,
dissipation prestressed
rebars it
of is deemed
PCH tendons
joint, that a work.
the
PCH-T energy Considering
joint dissipation
with the
nonlinear
insufficient
insufficient
insufficient configuration
[23]. In consideration [23]. In
configuration
configuration ofof ofof
the energy
consideration
brittle
energy
energy dissipation
fracture
[23]. ofInthe
dissipation
dissipation rebars
consideration
ofbrittle
reinforcement,
rebarsrebars of ofof
fracture
[23].
PCHPCH
of Inthe
PCH joint,
ofitconsideration
joint,joint, a aPCH-T
reinforcement,
isbrittle
deemed aPCH-T
fracture that
PCH-T ofjoint joint
itthe
of is with
reinforcement,
brittle
energy
deemed
jointwith with nonlinear
fracture
dissipation
that
nonlinear
nonlinear the
itofisenergy
reinforcement
deemed dissipat
that
insufficient
rebars of theof
elasticity configuration
PCHis joint
designed, will of
all
which energy
fail when
has dissipation
same the rotation
parameters rebarsangleas of PCH
reaches
the PCH joint,
0.02,
joint, aandPCH-T
except after thatjoint
the it withnot
failure,
does nonlinear
thehave joint energy
elasticity
rebars
elasticity isisdesigned,
the PCH
designed, rebars which
joint will
of
which has
the all
has same
PCH
fail
samewhenparameters
joint
rebars will
the
of
parameters rotation
all
the as
fail
PCH
as the
elasticity is designed, which has same parameters as the PCH joint, except that it does not have energywhen
the PCH
angle
joint
rebars
PCHthe joint,
reaches
will of
rotation
all
the
joint, except
fail
0.02,
PCH
except angle
when that
and
joint
that it does
reaches
the
after
will
it rotation
the
doesallnot
0.02,
fail have
failure,
not angle
when
and
have energy
the
after
reaches
the joint
energy rotation
the failure,
0.02, angle
and
theaft
re
jo
elasticity
will lose is designed,
the
dissipation energy which has same
dissipation
capacity. capacityparameters
and only asthe the prestressed
PCH joint, except tendons thatwork. it doesConsidering
not have energy the
dissipation
will lose
dissipation
dissipation thecapacity.
energy
capacity.
capacity. will dissipation
lose the energy
capacity
will dissipation
loseand the only
energy
capacity
the willprestressed
dissipation
lose
and the
only energy
capacity
tendons
the prestressed
dissipation
work.
and onlyConsidering
tendons
capacity
the prestressed
work.
andthe only
Considering
tendons
the presw
dissipation configuration
insufficient capacity. of energy dissipation rebars of PCH joint, arebars
PCH-T
insufficient configuration insufficient of configuration
energy insufficient
dissipationof energy
configuration
rebars insufficient
dissipation
of PCH of joint,
energy
configuration ofjoint
a PCH-T PCHwith
dissipation joint
ofjoint,
energynonlinear
rebars
with
a PCH-T nonlinear
dissipation
of PCH jointjoint,
with
rebars
a PCH-T
nonlin
of P
elasticity is designed,
elasticity is designed, which
elasticity has
which same
is has parameters
designed,
same elasticity
parameters
whichis ashasthe PCH
designed,
same
as the joint,
elasticity
parameters
PCHwhich except
joint,
is
has that
designed,
as
except
samethe PCHit does
parameters
thatwhichit not
joint,
does have
has
except
not
assame
theenergy
havethat
PCH
parameters
energy
it joint,
does not except
ashave
thethat
PCH
enei
dissipation capacity.
dissipation capacity. dissipation capacity. dissipation capacity. dissipation capacity.
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 8280 9 of 16
Table 2. The connection forms researched.

Table 2. The connection forms researched.
Structure Form Cast-In-Situ Connection Emulated Connections Non-Emulated Connections
Abbreviation
Structure Form Cast-In-SituRC
Connection PCE PCE-S
Emulated PCE-D Non-Emulated
Connections PCH PCH-F PCH-T
Connections
Bearing capacity
Abbreviation RC√ PCE○ ×
PCE-S ○
PCE-D PCH√ √
PCH-F PCH-T√
Ductility capacity √√ ○ ○ × √√ √× √○
Bearing capacity # × #
Energy dissipation capacity √√ √ √ √ √○ ○ ×
Ductility capacity # # × × #
Self-centering capacity √× √× √× √× ○ √
Energy dissipation capacity # # ×√
√ √
Note: √ means
Self-centering good performance,×○ means general×performance
capacity × and× × means#poor performance.
√
Note: means good performance, # means general performance and × means poor performance.
4.2. Pushover Analysis
4.2. Pushover Analysis
To grasp the overall force-displacement behavior of structures, a Pushover analysis was first
To grasp
carried out forthe
eachoverall
frame.force-displacement
The analysis adopted behavior of structures,
the inverted triangulara Pushover
distributionanalysis wasloads,
of lateral first
carried out for each
and considered frame.
the P-Δ Theofanalysis
effect adopted
structures. During thetheinverted
pushover triangular
process,distribution of lateral loads,
the top displacement of the
and considered the P-∆ effect of structures. During the pushover process, the
structure was monitored. When the overall displacement angle of the structure (the ratio of the top displacement of the
top
structure
displacementwas monitored. When the
to the total height) overall
reached displacement
1/25, the loadingangle of the structure (the ratio of the top
was stopped.
displacement
In ordertotothe total height)
compare reached 1/25,
the pushover the loading
results was stopped.
of different structures, four feature points were
introduced. (1) Yield point, which means the whole structurefour
In order to compare the pushover results of different structures, feature
yields. points
This paperwereadopted
introduced.the
(1) Yield point, which means the whole structure yields. This paper adopted
suggestions of Feng et al. [40], and used the farthest point method to define the yield point of the the suggestions of
Feng et al. [40], and used the farthest point method to define the yield point
structure. (2) Limit point, which is the corresponding point on the pushover curve when the of the structure. (2) Limit
point, which isangle
displacement the corresponding
on any floor of point
the on the pushover
structure reachescurve when
1/50 (the the displacement
deformation limit inangle on any
the Chinese
floor of the
standard structure
[38]). reachespoint,
(3) Collapse 1/50 (the
whichdeformation limit in thepoint
is the corresponding Chinese
whenstandard [38]).
the bearing (3) Collapse
capacity drops
point, which is the corresponding point when the bearing capacity drops to
to 80% of the limit point, and is used to evaluate the ductility storage capacity of the structure. 80% of the limit point, (4)
and is used
Column to evaluate
yield point, whichthe ductility storage capacity
is the corresponding of the
point structure.
on the pushover(4) Column
curve whenyieldthepoint, which
plastic hinge is
the corresponding
appears on the columnpoint onfor the
thepushover
first time.curve when the plastic
The pushover curves hinge appears on the
and characteristic column
points for the
of various
first time. The pushover curves
structures are shown in Figure 11. and characteristic points of various structures are shown in Figure 11.
(a) (b)
Figure 11.
Figure 11. Pushover
Pushovercurves
curvesofofframes:
frames:(a)(a)
Comparison
Comparison of of
emulated frames
emulated andand
frames thethe
RC RC
frame; (b)
frame;
comparison
(b) of non-emulated
comparison frames
of non-emulated andand
frames thetheRCRC
frame.
frame.
According
Accordingto tothe
the stiffness
stiffnessbefore
beforeyielding,
yielding,thetheemulated
emulatedframes
frameswill
willshow
showaa relatively
relativelylow
low second
second
stiffness
stiffness after
after the
the design
design seismic
seismic force,
force, which
which isis especially
especially obvious
obvious when
when the the connection
connection strength
strength is
is
insufficient. This is due to the premature cracking of the beam end interface in emulated
insufficient. This is due to the premature cracking of the beam end interface in emulated connections. connections.
Therefore,
Therefore, itit is
is necessary
necessary to to make
make thethe structure
structure overstrength
overstrength whenwhen designing
designing suchsuch precast
precast frames;
frames;
otherwise,
otherwise,structural
structuraldamage
damagewill occur
will occurunder
under thethe
design earthquake,
design earthquake, which
whichwillwill
increase the repair
increase cost
the repair
after earthquakes. The overstrength factor R (see Formula (1), where V is the
cost after earthquakes. The overstrength factor Rs (see Formula (1), where Vp is the peak bearing
s p peak bearing capacity
and Vd is and
capacity the design seismic
Vd is the designforce) of theforce)
seismic PCE-Sofframe was calculated
the PCE-S frame was as 2.16, so it isas
calculated recommended
2.16, so it is
that the overstrength factor of emulated frames should be at least
recommended that the overstrength factor of emulated frames should be at least 2: 2:
VVpp
=s 
Rs R (1)
(1)
VVd d
Throughobserving
Through observingthethe yield
yield points
points of various
of various structures,
structures, it canitbecan be found
found that thethat the emulated
emulated frames
frames yielded
yielded before
before the RC the RC frame,
frame, and theand the reduction
reduction of the of thestrength
joint joint strength
of theofPCE-S
the PCE-S frame
frame caused
caused the
the structure to yield earlier. The moment when the plastic hinge appears on column is always later
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 8280 10 of 16
than the moment when the structure yields. Thus, when designing according to the principle of
strong columns and weak beams, the yield of the frame structure is controlled by the beam, and the
structure to yield earlier. The moment when the plastic hinge appears on column is always later than
earlier
the yield
moment of when
the beam in the emulated
the structure yields. Thus,frames
when will delay the
designing yield oftothe
according the structural
principle ofcolumn.
strong For
limitcolumns
points,and
the weak
displacement
beams, thevalues
yield ofofthe
each frame
frame are relatively
structure close.
is controlled byThe bearing
the beam, andcapacities
the earlierat the
limityield
points of beam
of the the emulated framesframes
in the emulated decreased by different
will delay the yield degrees, whichcolumn.
of the structural is caused Forby thepoints,
limit successive
strength degradationvalues
the displacement of frame
of eachbeams.
frameTheare bearing
relativelycapacities
close. Theof the non-emulated
bearing capacities at the frames
limit are slightly
points
of the
higher emulated
at the frames but
limit points, decreased
at thisby different
time, degrees,capacity
the bearing which isof caused by theframe
the PCH-F successive strength
is reduced due to
degradation of frame beams. The bearing capacities of the non-emulated frames
the brittle fracture of rebars. When the fracture occurs, the overall displacement angle of the structure are slightly higher
at the1.5%,
is about limit which
points,isbut at this
much time,than
lower the bearing
2%, the capacity of the
set fracture PCH-Fangle
rotation frameof is the
reduced
joint.due to the the
Therefore,
brittle fracture of rebars. When the fracture occurs, the overall displacement angle of the structure
ductility of energy dissipation rebars should be paid attention to when designing non-emulated
is about 1.5%, which is much lower than 2%, the set fracture rotation angle of the joint. Therefore,
frames. Through comparing the collapse points of structures, it can be found that the ductility storage
the ductility of energy dissipation rebars should be paid attention to when designing non-emulated
capacities of the emulated frames are greatly reduced. When the ductility of the joint is less than 2.5%,
frames. Through comparing the collapse points of structures, it can be found that the ductility storage
the capacities
structure ofwillthe collapse
emulated quickly
frames are after the reduced.
greatly limit point.When Therefore,
the ductilityit is recommended
of the joint is less thanthat the
monolithic
2.5%, theprecast
structurejoint should
will collapse at least
quicklybeafter
able the
to achieve a rotation
limit point. angle
Therefore, ofrecommended
it is 2.5%; otherwise, thatitthe
should
not monolithic
be promoted in high-intensity
precast areas.
joint should at least be In contrast,
able to achieveregardless
a rotation of theof
angle brittle
2.5%; fracture
otherwise, problem
it shouldof the
rebar,
notthe non-emulated
be promoted frame has certain
in high-intensity areas. Inadvantages in resisting
contrast, regardless of thea brittle
large displacement
fracture problem response.
of the
rebar, the non-emulated frame has certain advantages in resisting a large displacement response.
5. Dynamic Response of Structures
5. Dynamic Response of Structures
5.1. 5.1.
Ground Motion
Ground Information
Motion Information
Eight
Eightground
ground motions
motions are are selected
selected from from the
the Peer Peer NGA-West2
NGA-West2 database, anddatabase,
their basic and their basic
information
information
is shown in is Table
shown in Table
3. Figure 3. Figure
12 shows 12 showsspectrum
the acceleration the acceleration
of variousspectrum of various
ground motions ground
obtained
motions obtained
by adjusting theby adjusting
amplitude the amplitude
according according
to the peak to the
acceleration. Thepeak acceleration.
period of RC frameThe periodbyof RC
estimated
capacity
frame spectrum
estimated method under
by capacity rare earthquakes
spectrum is 1.7 s.rare
method under As illustrated,
earthquakesthe is
average
1.7 s.spectrum value the
As illustrated,
under this period is very close to the target spectrum value.
average spectrum value under this period is very close to the target spectrum value.
Figure
Figure12.
12.Acceleration
Acceleration spectrums
spectrums ofofselected
selected ground
ground motions.
motions.
Table 3. Basic information of selected ground motions.

Table 3. Basic information of selected ground motions.
Earthquake Epicentral
Number Seismic Event Year Earthquake Epicentral Recorded Station
Number Seismic Event Year Magnitude (Mw) Distance (km) Recorded Station
1 Taiwan SMART1(45) 1986
Magnitude
7.3
(Mw) Distance (km) SMART1 C00
56.01
2 Taiwan
Loma Prieta 1989 6.93 41.88 APEEL 10-Skyline
1 1986 7.3 56.01 SMART1 C00
3 Friuli Italy-01
SMART1(45) 1976 6.5 33.4 Codroipo
4 Kern County
2 Loma Prieta 19891952 7.36
6.93 38.89
41.88 Taft Lincoln School
APEEL 10-Skyline
5 Loma Prieta 1989 6.93 52.68 APEEL 2E Hayward Muir Sch
3 6 Friuli Italy-01
Spitak Armenia 1976 1988 6.5
6.77 23.99 33.4 GukasianCodroipo
4 7 Kern CountyHills-0219521987
Superstition 7.36
6.54 27 38.89 CalipatriaTaft
Fire Lincoln
Station School
8 San Fernando 1971 6.61 27.4 Lake Hughes
APEEL#12E Hayward
5 Loma Prieta 1989 6.93 52.68
Muir Sch
6 Spitak Armenia 1988 6.77 23.99 Gukasian
Superstition Calipatria Fire
7 1987 6.54 27
Hills-02 Station
8 San Fernando 1971 6.61 27.4 Lake Hughes #1
5.2. Displacement Response of Structures
In order to understand the dynamic response characteristics of different precast frames, the
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 8280 11 of 16
direct integration method was used for dynamic time history analysis under rare earthquakes (PGA:
400 gal) and extremely rare earthquakes (PGA: 600 gal). If the story drift of a certain floor exceeds the
5.2. Displacement Response of Structures
rotation angle value of the aforementioned feature point C, the structure will be considered as the
In order to understand the dynamic response characteristics of different precast frames, the direct
total collapse. In rare earthquakes, only the PCE-D frame collapsed under Wave 1, so the reduction
integration method was used for dynamic time history analysis under rare earthquakes (PGA: 400 gal)
of joint ductility will cause
and extremely the most(PGA:
rare earthquakes adverse effect
600 gal). If the on
storythe
driftstructure. Figure
of a certain floor 13a,c
exceeds plot the average
the rotation
maximum floor displacement
angle value of each feature
of the aforementioned framepointunderC, theWaves
structure2–8
will in rare earthquakes.
be considered Compared with
as the total collapse.
In rare earthquakes, only the PCE-D frame collapsed under Wave 1, so the reduction of joint ductility
the RC frame, the deformation of upper floors of emulated frames increase significantly, while the
will cause the most adverse effect on the structure. Figure 13a,c plot the average maximum floor
deformationdisplacement
of each floor of non-emulated
of each frame under Waves frames generally
2–8 in rare increases,
earthquakes. Compared and their
with peak
the RC displacement
frame,
response arethehigher
deformation thanofthat upperof emulated
floors of emulatedframes. Under significantly,
frames increase extremelywhile rarethe
earthquakes,
deformation of the PCE-D
each floor
frame collapses under of non-emulated
Waves 1–3,frames and thegenerally
PCH-F increases,
frameand their peakunder
collapses displacement
Wavesresponse
1 and are 2. All precast
higher than that of emulated frames. Under extremely rare earthquakes, the PCE-D frame collapses
frames under Wave
under Waves 1 1–3,
exceed thePCH-F
and the codeframe
displacement
collapses under limit
Wavesof 11/50.
and 2.Figure 13b,d
All precast show
frames underthe average
maximum floorWave 1displacement of each frame
exceed the code displacement under
limit of Waves
1/50. Figure 13b,d4–8
showin the
extremely rare earthquakes;
average maximum floor the
displacement of each frame under Waves 4–8 in extremely rare earthquakes;
maximum story drift of each structure shows similar laws. Therefore, attention should be paid to the the maximum story
drift of each structure shows similar laws. Therefore, attention should be paid to the displacement
displacement response of the upper structure for emulated frames, and the damage of structural
response of the upper structure for emulated frames, and the damage of structural components and
componentsnon-structural
and non-structural members
members under under
large floor large floor
deformation deformation
for the for the non-emulated frames.
non-emulated frames.
(a) (b) (c) (d)

Figure 13. Figure
The 13.
distribution ofofmaximum
The distribution maximum floorfloor displacement
displacement under
under rare and rare
extremely rare and extremely rare
earthquakes:
(a) Emulated frames under rare earthquakes; (b) Emulated connection frames under extremely rare
earthquakes: (a) Emulated frames under rare earthquakes; (b) Emulated connection frames under
earthquakes; (c) Non-emulated frames under rare earthquakes; (d) Non-emulated frames under
extremely rare earthquakes;
extremely (c) Non-emulated frames under rare earthquakes; (d) Non-emulated
rare earthquakes.
frames under extremely rare earthquakes.
The displacement response characteristics of different precast frames are described by taking
the top displacement time history of Wave 2 (PGA: 600 gal) as an example. As shown in Figure 14,
The displacement response
the peak displacement characteristics
of PCE of different
frame is significantly precast
higher than that offrames are described
the RC frame. In addition by
to taking the
top displacement time
the increase history
of the of Wave
peak response, the 2 (PGA:amplitude
vibration 600 gal)ofasPCHanframe
example. As shown
also generally increasesin
in Figure
the 14, the
time range. This earthquake ended at 40 s; the RC frame and PCE frame became
peak displacement of PCE frame is significantly higher than that of the RC frame. In addition to the static immediately
after the earthquake, but the PCH frame still underwent a period of small vibration due to insufficient
increase of the peak response, the vibration amplitude of PCH frame also generally increases in the
energy dissipation capacity before being in static. Due to the self-centering feature of joints, the residual
time range. deformation
This earthquakeof the PCHended atsmall.
frame is 40 s; the RC frame and PCE frame became static immediately
energy dissipation capacity before being in static. Due to the self-centering feature of joints, the
residual deformation of the PCH frame is small.
peak displacement of PCE frame is significantly higher than that of the RC frame. In addition to the
increase of the peak response, the vibration amplitude of PCH frame also generally increases in the
time range. This earthquake ended at 40 s; the RC frame and PCE frame became static immediately
Appl. Sci. dissipation
energy 2020, 10, 8280 capacity before being in static. Due to the self-centering feature of joints,
12 of
the16
residual deformation of the PCH frame is small.
5.3. Ductility Demands of Frame Beams and Columns

The ductility demands of the beam end plastic hinge zones of various frames are compared by
taking the time (a) history rotation angle at the beam (b)end of the top floor under Wave (c) 4 (PGA: 600 gal)
as an example. As shown in Figure 15, under the action of gravity load at the initial moment, the
Figure
Figure 14.
14. Time
Time history
history of
of the
the top
top displacement
displacement under
under Wave
Wave 22 (PGA:
(PGA: 600
600 gal):
gal): (a)
(a) RC
RC frame;
frame; (b)
(b) PCE
PCE
beam end has a certain elastic deformation. The time when peak rotation angle of each beam end
frame;
frame; (c)
(c) PCH
PCH frame.
frame.
appears is basically the same, and the size law is the same as the top displacement response in Figure
13.
5.3.The beamDemands
Ductility end rotation angle
of Frame of the
Beams emulated
and Columnsframes is slightly higher than that of the RC frame
in both positive and negative directions throughout the time history. The beam end rotation angle of
The ductility demands of the beam end plastic hinge zones of various frames are compared by
the non-emulated frames increases more significantly than the RC frame.
taking the time history rotation angle at the beam end of the top floor under Wave 4 (PGA: 600 gal) as
Figure 16 compares the ductility demands at column bottom of first floor under Wave 2 (PGA: 400
an example. As shown in Figure 15, under the action of gravity load at the initial moment, the beam
gal). Although emulated frames can delay the emergence of column hinges to some extent, once the
end has a certain elastic deformation. The time when peak rotation angle of each beam end appears
earthquake intensity is high, the ductility demands of the column will still be higher than that of the RC
is basically the same, and the size law is the same as the top displacement response in Figure 13.
frame. For non-emulated frames, the rotation angle of the columns increased significantly, and the
The beam end rotation angle of the emulated frames is slightly higher than that of the RC frame in
PCH-T frame columns underwent the most severe damage. This is because if the energy dissipation
both positive and negative directions throughout the time history. The beam end rotation angle of the
capacities of the connecting joints are insufficient, the seismic input energy will be dissipated by the
non-emulated frames increases more significantly than the RC frame.
damage of the columns, which is extremely detrimental for the post-earthquake repair of the structure.
(a)
(b)
Figure 15. Time history of the rotation
rotation angle
angle at
at beam
beam end
end of
of top
top floor
floor under
under Wave
Wave 4 (PGA:
(PGA: 600
600 gal):
gal):
(a) Comparison between emulated frames and the RC frame; (b) Comparison between non-emulated
frames and the RC frame.
Figure 16 compares the ductility demands at column bottom of first floor under Wave 2
(PGA: 400 gal). Although emulated frames can delay the emergence of column hinges to some
extent, once the earthquake intensity is high, the ductility demands of the column will still be higher
than that of the RC frame. For non-emulated frames, the rotation angle of the columns increased
significantly, and the PCH-T frame columns underwent the most severe damage. This is because if the
energy dissipation capacities of the connecting joints are insufficient, the seismic input energy will
be dissipated by the damage of (a) (b)
the columns, which is extremely detrimental for the post-earthquake
repair of the structure.
Figure 16. Time history of the rotation angle at column bottom of first floor under Wave 2 (PGA: 400
gal): (a) Comparison between emulated frames and the RC frame; (b) Comparison between non-
emulated frames and the RC frame.
5.4. Residual Deformation of Structures

Figure 17 summarizes the residual deformation values of various frame structures of seven
ground motions in case of rare earthquakes and extremely rare earthquakes. It can be concluded that
the post-earthquake residual deformation of the emulated frames are basically equivalent to that of
(b)
Figure 15. Time history of the rotation angle at beam end of top floor under Wave 4 (PGA: 600 gal):
(a) Comparison
Appl. between emulated frames and the RC frame; (b) Comparison between non-emulated
Sci. 2020, 10, 8280 13 of 16
(a) (b)
Figure 16. Time
Figure history
16. Time ofofthe
history therotation angleatatcolumn
rotation angle column bottom
bottom of first
of first floor floor
underunder
Wave 2Wave
(PGA: 2400
(PGA:
gal): 400
gal): (a)
(a)Comparison
Comparison between
between emulated framesframes
emulated and theand
RC frame;
the RC(b)frame;
Comparison between non-emulated
(b) Comparison between non-
emulated frames and the RC frame.
Figure 17 summarizes the residual deformation values of various frame structures of seven ground
Figure
motions 17 summarizes
in case
Appl. Sci. 2020, of rare
10, x FOR PEER
the residual
earthquakes
REVIEW anddeformation
extremely rarevalues of various
earthquakes. It canframe structures
be concluded thatofthe
13 of
seven
16
ground motions in case of rare earthquakes and extremely rare earthquakes. It can be concluded that
post-earthquake residual deformation of the emulated frames are basically equivalent to that of the
RC
the frame,
the post-earthquake
RC frame, while the
while overall
residual deformation
deformation
the overall ofof
deformation non-emulated frames
thenon-emulated
of emulated framescan recover
frames are to within
canbasically
recover 1/5501/550
toequivalent
within (theto
limit
that of
(the
story drift under the design earthquake), except for structural failure. However, it should
limit story drift under the design earthquake), except for structural failure. However, it should be be noted that
the PCH-T
noted frame
that the jointsframe
PCH-T can fully restore
joints afterrestore
can fully an earthquake, and its residual
after an earthquake, anddeformation is caused by
its residual deformation
the unrecoverable
is caused damage of the
by the unrecoverable column,
damage ofwhich violates
the column, the concept
which violatesofthe
post-earthquake repairability
concept of post-earthquake
of such structure.
repairability of such structure.
(a)
(b)
Figure 17.
17. Residual
Residualdeformation
deformationatat
toptop floor
floor of various
of various structures:
structures: (a) under
(a) under rare earthquakes;
rare earthquakes; (b)
(b) under
under extremely
extremely rare earthquakes.
rare earthquakes.
6. Discussion
6. Discussion
Whether
Whether PCPC buildings
buildings can can replace
replace RC
RC buildings
buildings in in high-intensity
high-intensity areas
areas has
has always
always been
been aa
controversial issue. In recent years, some scholars suggested that the vertical
controversial issue. In recent years, some scholars suggested that the vertical components of PC components of
PC buildings
buildings should
should be in
be cast castsituintositu to reduce
reduce the
the risk of risk of serious
serious casualties
casualties caused bycaused by structural
structural collapse.
collapse. However, such conservative practices have become an obstacle to the
However, such conservative practices have become an obstacle to the development of PC buildings. development of
PC buildings. With an increasing number of experimental studies, some differences between
With an increasing number of experimental studies, some differences between PC joints and RC joints PC joints
and
haveRC joints have
emerged. emerged.
Obviously, Obviously, itand
it is unreasonable is unreasonable
inaccurate to and inaccurate
continue to continue
to use RC structureto use RC
models to
structure models to analyze PC structures. Engineers are eager to understand the impact
analyze PC structures. Engineers are eager to understand the impact of these differences and the issues of these
differences
they shouldand
paythe issues to
attention theywhenshould pay attention
designing to when
PC structures. designing
These are thePC structures.
motivations of These are the
this work.
motivations of this work.
The nonlinear analysis models proposed in this paper for two types of typical PC joints are the
results of a large amount of experimental work, so they are generally representative. In the nonlinear
analysis, some possible degradation effects of PC joints are fully considered. Although some of the
parameters are empirically defined, the analytical methods and results in this paper are still of great
reference value. Engineering designers can extend this method to the nonlinear analysis of actual
three-dimensional PC structures. If a new PC joint is developed in the future, some test results of the
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 8280 14 of 16
The nonlinear analysis models proposed in this paper for two types of typical PC joints are the
results of a large amount of experimental work, so they are generally representative. In the nonlinear
analysis, some possible degradation effects of PC joints are fully considered. Although some of the
parameters are empirically defined, the analytical methods and results in this paper are still of great
reference value. Engineering designers can extend this method to the nonlinear analysis of actual
three-dimensional PC structures. If a new PC joint is developed in the future, some test results of the
new joint can also be compared with a certain situation considered in this paper, so as to judge its
engineering application value. These are the significance of this research.
7. Conclusions
This paper researches the differences in the nonlinear behaviors between two types of typical
prefabricated joints and RC joints, and analyzes the influence of these differences on the seismic
performance of structures. The following main conclusions are obtained through research and analysis:
• The main difference between emulated connection joints and RC joints is that they will crack early
and cause premature degradation of bearing capacity, which is mainly due to the presence of
the interface between new and old concretes at the beam-column junction of the precast joints.
The use of a dimensionless trilinear skeleton model can well describe the differences in nonlinear
behavior between the emulated connection joints and the RC joints.
• From the perspective of the force-deformation relationship, the main difference between precast
frames and the RC frame is the size of the peak bearing capacity and the degradation speed of the
bearing capacity beyond the limit point. It is recommended that the minimum overstrength factor
of the emulated frame should be 2 in the design.
• Compared with the RC frame, the displacement response of the upper floors of emulated frames
increases significantly, and the displacement response of various floors of non-emulated frames
increases generally. Compared with an insufficient bearing capacity, an insufficient joint ductility
will cause the most adverse effect on the collapse resistance of the structure, so that the joints with
a damage rotation angle less than 2.5% are not recommended in high-intensity areas.
• The post-earthquake residual deformation of the non-emulated frames is small, but the ductility
demands for the joints are higher. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the brittle fracture
and fatigue failure of energy dissipation rebars caused by the large deformation for this type of
connection. When energy dissipation rebars are not installed, this type of frame overly relies on
the damage of structural columns to dissipate seismic energy, which will also cause the structure
to be irreparable after the earthquake. Therefore, the structural system containing only prestressed
tendons is not recommended in high-intensity areas.
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, B.S. and D.D.; investigation, W.L. and Y.W.; validation, S.W.;
formal analysis, Y.W. and D.F.; supervision, W.L.; Writing—original draft preparation, B.S. and D.D.; Writing—review
and editing, D.F. and S.W. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, grant numbers 51678301,
51808291 and 51678302; and the Six talent peaks project in Jiangsu Province, grant number JY-022.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Analytical Investigation Between, Precast and In-Situ Concrete Under Seismic Condition

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Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 8280; doi:10.3390/app10228280 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

(a) (b) (c)

(d) (e) (f)

(a) (b) (c)

(a) (b) (c)

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 16

2. A Typical Emulated Connection—Monolithic Precast

2.1. Force Mechanism

(a) (b) (c) (c)

(d) (e) (f) (g)

3. A Typical Non-Emulated Connection—Hybrid Precast Prestressed (PCH) Joint

3. A Typical Non-Emulated Connection—Hybrid Precast Prestressed (PCH) Joint

Table 2. The connection forms researched.

Table 3. Basic information of selected ground motions.

(a) (b) (c) (d)

residual deformation of the PCH frame is small.

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 16

5.3. Ductility Demands of Frame Beams and Columns

5.4. Residual Deformation of Structures

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