sustainability

Article
Mechanical Properties of New Dry-Type
Beam-Column Bolt Connection Joint
Wei Ma 1 , Yue Li 1 , Kewei Ding 1 , Baoquan Cheng 2 , Jianhua Liu 1 , Jianli Hao 2 and
Vivian Wing Yan Tam 3,4, *
1 Department of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China;
mawei@ahjzu.edu.cn (W.M.); liyue963628346@hotmail.com (Y.L.); dingkw@ahjzu.edu.cn (K.D.);
liujianhua19921006@163.com (J.L.)
2 Department of Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China;
Curtis_ch@163.com (B.C.); JIANLI.HAO@xjtlu.edu.cn (J.H.)
3 School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith,
NSW 2751, Australia
4 College of Civil Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
* Correspondence: vivianwytam@gmail.com




Received: 12 May 2019; Accepted: 13 June 2019; Published: 17 June 2019


Abstract: Beam–column assembled joint connections are crucial for realizing the industrialization of
buildings through prefabrication. This paper focuses on the mechanical properties of a new dry-type
high-strength bolt connection joint used in prefabricated buildings. The structural performance
properties examined include bearing capacity, stiffness, failure mode, energy dissipation capacity,
and deformation performance, all of which are tested through a pseudo static test involving low-cycle
repeated loading. The test results show that the failure of the new dry-type beam–column connection
joint is through plastic failure, with full hysteretic curve and good energy dissipation performance.
The results provide a foundation for the analysis of assembled structural framework systems based
on different forms of dry-type connection joints.

Keywords: Dry-type connection joint; Pseudo static test; Structural performance; High-strength
bolt; Prefabrication

1. Introduction
Construction is an important industry for many countries economy as it contributes mostly to
their GDP. Prefabrication is an “umbrella” term and it covers a range of different systems and processes.
These will include structural, architectural and services elements. It was also mentioned to as offsite
construction or modular construction where building components are manufactured and assembled
in a plant instead of the construction site before the final building. Prefab can be categorized into
components, panels (2D), modules (3D), hybrids, and unitized whole buildings [1]. It is recognized by
both design and construction professionals as one of the most common methods where the benefits
include its facilitation towards achieving high quality construction, reducing health and safety risks,
improving in planning, control, and innovation environments, as well as, facilitating organizations to
be more successful preventing injuries particularly related to hazards of sustainable elements such as
“construction at height, overhead, with energized electrical systems, and in confined spaces” [2,3].
Prefabrication is regarded as the most efficient way to achieve building industrialization and
green buildings in China. This is due to its socio-economic and environmental benefits, including a
large saving of construction time, better quality control and engineering performance, less construction
and demolition waste, and less pollution [4–6]. This construction method has been widely adopted

Sustainability 2019, 11, 3348; doi:10.3390/su11123348 www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability

Sustainability 2019, 11, 3348 2 of 14

in China’s building industry. The design of beam–column joints is the most complex and critical
in the whole prefabricated building system. The joint is usually the most fragile member of the
whole structural system and the failure of joints often leads to the failure of the whole structure.
The connection mode of beam–column joints is therefore key to the whole prefabricated structural
system. Dry-type connection joints are the latest development [7–10].
There has been a plethora of research on prefabricated concrete member joints for industrialized
buildings. Huang [11] compared the advantages and disadvantages of dry connections, and improved
various dry-type connection joints, providing a basis for future related research. Yan [12] conducted
the reversed cyclic loading test on two precast prestressed concrete beam–column joints that were
fabricated with two different concrete strengths in the keyway area. Ousalem [13] conducted the
low-cycle repeated loading tests on precast high-strength concrete structures. Precast beams were
spliced and connected by bolts in the span. The results showed that a plastic hinge would form at
the beam end under the action of low-cycle repeated loading, while the stiffness, strength, and other
properties at the bolt joint were better, and no plastic hinge was formed. Cheng [14] designed the
middle joints of prefabricated partial steel-reinforced concrete frame beams and columns and tested the
failure patterns and hysteretic curves under the action of low-cycle repeated loading. Choi [15] studied
the new type of assembled ductile joint by repeated loading tests. Nzabonimpa [16] proposed the
dry-type mechanical beam–column connection joint for fully-restrained bending moment connection of
concrete components. Through tests, analysis, and research, the structural performance of the dry-type
connection joint was verified, and the parameters affecting the performance of the dry-type mechanical
bending moment concrete joint were determined. Other scholars have also further studied dry-type
connection joints [17–21].
Based on a review of the literature related to prefabricated beam–column joints, this paper aims to:
(1) propose a feasible prefabricated concrete frame structure system with energy-dissipating members,
(2) design a new dry-type high-strength bolted joint, and (3) study the joint’s failure mode and
mechanical performance by means of a pseudo-static experiment. The experiment provides a basis for
analyzing the performance of the new joint by comparison with several other dry-type connection joints.
The research results not only provide experimental basis for the further prefabrication applications in
particular but also contribute to construction’s sustainability in general.

2. New Dry-Type Connection Joint

Considering that the new joint connection method is used in conjunction with the
energy-consuming component, the joint is required to have a large deformation. Therefore, the test
components for this study are taken from the assembled 3 × 6 frame structure, without secondary
beams, and with a standard column span of 8.4 m and floor height of 4.2 m (see Figure 1). The concrete
grade of the 750 mm × 750 mm column is C80, the concrete grade of the 400 mm × 750 mm beam is
C40, and the rebar grade is HRB400. Eight grade 8.8 high-strength bolts with a diameter of 30 mm are
used as semi-rigid joints for connection (see Figures 2 and 3), with the joint stiffness coefficient of 0.5
and a theoretical ultimate bending moment of 456 kN·m/m.
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Figure 1. Frame structure plan.

Figure 1. Frame structure plan.
Figure 1.
Figure 1. Frame
Frame structure
structureplan.
plan.

Figure 2. A three-dimensional joint diagram with corbel.

Figure
Figure 2. A three-dimensional
2. A three-dimensionaljoint
jointdiagram
diagram with
with corbel.
corbel.
Figure 2. A three-dimensional joint diagram with corbel.

Figure Elevation
3. 3.
Figure Elevationofofbeam
beamand
and column test specimen.
column test specimen.

TheThestrength
strength grade
grade ofFigure
concrete
of
3. Elevation of beam and column test specimen.
concrete
Figure
ofofcolumn
column
3. Elevation
and beam
beam
andand
of beam
are
are C80
column C80 and C40
and C40respectively.
test specimen.
respectively.The The strength
strength
gradegrade
Theof
of stirrupstirrup
strength
of of
beam
gradebeam andand column
column
of concrete areboth
are
of column both HPB300
HPB300
and beam arewhen
when the the strength
C80 and C40
strengthgrade
respectively.of
grade oflongitudinal
longitudinal
The strength
The
reinforcement
grade strength
reinforcement is grade
of stirrupisofHRB400.
HRB400. of
beam and concrete
TheThecolumn
strength of
strengtharecolumn
grade
grade of
and beam
bothofHPB300
bolt is are
bolt is 8.8.
8.8.
whenC80
Before
Beforeand
the the C40
the respectively.
experiments,
grade oftests
experiments,
strength The
tests strength
ofof
material
material
longitudinal
grade
properties offor
properties
reinforcementstirrup
concrete,of beam
foris concrete,
HRB400. andstrength
steelsteel
bars,
The column
bars,
and andbolt are
areboth
bolt
grade HPB300
arebolt
conducted
conducted
of at when
is 8.8. the strength
at materials
materials
Before grade
mechanics
themechanics
experiments, of longitudinal
laboratory.
laboratory.
tests EachEach
of materialbatch
reinforcement
batch of concrete
of properties
concrete is is HRB400.
reservedis withThe
reserved 9 strength
with
test 9 test
blocksgrade
blocks
withof bolt
with
a is
a
size 8.8.
size
of Before
of
150150mm the
mm × experiments,
× 150
150
for concrete, steel bars, and bolt are conducted at materials mechanics laboratory. Each mm
mm ××150tests
150mm.of
mm.material
3 days,
3 7
days,
properties
days, and for
28 concrete,
days
days of
of steel
on-site
on-site bars,
maintenanceand
maintenance bolt
are are conducted
carried
are out,
carried at materials
respectively.
out, mechanics
Compressive
batch of concrete is reserved with 9 test blocks with a size of 150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm. 3 days, 7
7 days, and 28 respectively. laboratory.
tests
Compressive were Each
carried
tests were
batch
days,
carried of accordance
out and
in
out concrete
28 accordance
in days of is on-site
reserved
with the
with with
maintenance
the 9 test are
standard
standard blocks
of without,
mechanical
carried
of a size
mechanical of 150 mm
properties
respectively.
properties test × method
150 mm of
Compressive
test method × tests
150 mm.
were3carried
ordinary
of ordinary days,
concrete7
concrete
days, and 28 days
(GB/T50081-2002).
out in accordanceThe
(GB/T50081-2002). of on-site
The
with maintenance
measured
the standard
measured are
compressive carried
of mechanical
compressive out,
strength
strength respectively.
results
properties of
results oftest Compressive
concrete
method
concrete cubes tests
are were
shown
of ordinary
cubes are shown carried
in Table
concrete
in Table 1.
out
1. in accordanceThe
(GB/T50081-2002). with the standard
measured of mechanical
compressive strength properties test method
results of concrete cubesofare
ordinary concrete
shown in Table
(GB/T50081-2002).
1. The measured compressive strength results of concrete cubes are shown in Table
1.

3
3
3
Sustainability 2019, 11, 3348 4 of 14

Table 1. Concrete performance index (unit: N/mm2 ).

Concrete Strength 3 Days 7 Days 28 Days

C40 27.28 39.28 51.20
C40 26.68 38.68 46.32
C40 26.13 38.13 48.15
C80 27.30 77.30 84.36
C80 28.20 78.22 87.12
C80 27.90 77.91 85.46

Three samples were selected from each batch of reinforcement bars and bolts for tensile test.
The measured yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation of reinforcement bars and bolts are
shown in Table 2.

Table 2. Rebar and bolt performance index (unit: N/mm2 ).

Sustainability Rebar/Bolt
Type 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW Yield Strength fyk Ultimate Strength fstk Elongation5 δof 14
Diameter d (mm)
In this step, the binding
HPB300 8 of the steel bar of the beam and column
327.6 447.1is completed. The core stress
26.3%
areaHPB300
of the beam and column
10 joint is reinforced
344.9 and the reinforcement
468.3 is inspected according
24.6% to the
final version of the construction drawings. Bolts should correspond to the holes in the steel plate joint
HRB400 12 465.2 577.3 21.6%
and the beam-column joint. Concrete is mixed in the factory, transported to the laboratory, poured
intoHRB400
the supported wetted 14 formwork, and cured 447.4 in the laboratory. Water
567.6 is sprayed over23.2%
the concrete
three times a day for the16
HRB400 first four days to improve
437.6 the strength of the620.4
concrete for later natural
23.2%curing.
The HRB400
formwork is removed 18 after the component
456.4has been fully formed.
589.6 22.6%
StepHRB400
3: Hoisting of specimen
22 421.3 571.9 19.6%
HRB400
Two lifting rings are25 welded at the diagonal
456.6 position of the top 605.7of the column to 20.2%
facilitate the
lifting of the
Grade8.8 column. Thick
30 steel wire rope is used
618.7 in the process of lifting,
785.2 and wooden formwork is
11.4%
placed on the contact position between the concrete surface and the steel wire rope to prevent the
concrete
3. Tests from being crushed, and then it is hoisted flat to the test bed. The joints of the beam and
Process
column are tied together for seam sticking, and grouting material is poured into the gaps to make the
3.1.joints airtight. The assembly is completed by connecting and hoisting the post and the beam, inserting
Specimen
the high-strength bolts into the connection, and installing the reinforcing nuts. In order to ensure the
The production
smooth of high-strength
butt-hole of prefabricated bolts,
beamsthere
and columns
should bewas completed
a good in the Building
correspondence Structure
between and
the bolt
Underground
position andEngineering Laboratory.
the hollow position of theThe
steelproduction
pipe on the and
steelinstallation procedures of the
plate. The correspondence specimens
between the
were as follows (see Figure 4).
hole on the column and the hole on the beam should not be more than 2 mm.

(b) Fabrication of
(a) Experiment preparation (c) Hoisting of specimen
components
Figure4.4.Process
Figure Process of specimen
specimen making.
making.

3.2. Layout of Strain Measurement Gauges

Strain measurement gauges are placed at key positions including the end of the column, the
node area, the core area, the beam end, the ox leg, etc., to understand the variation of strain and
stress of specimen under loads. The same branch of gauges with maximum electric current of
Sustainability 2019, 11, 3348 5 of 14

Step 1: Experimental preparation

The first step was to prepare wooden formwork of good texture, hardness, and no distortion,
and soak it with water. The necessary reinforcement material was then positioned in accordance with
the construction drawings. High-strength bolts were then located on the surface of the beam and
column, and strain measurement gauges attached to the reinforcement bars for experimental purposes.
In the latter process, the part of the bar where the gauge was to be fixed was ground smooth with a
grinder and the surface cleaned with anhydrous alcohol. Cyanoacrylate 502 instant aadhesive was
applied to the polished part of the strain gauge and it was wrapped with rubber and waterproof
tape. The outside was covered with cotton cloth over which epoxy resin was evenly applied and then
fastened with a plastic strip. Finally, the strain gauges were numbered and labelled after being wired.
The gauges were checked at the same hour of the day on daily base to see if the wire was still energized
in case there had been a short circuit that would impede the smooth progress of the test. The layout of
strain measurement gauges is described in the following section.
Step 2: Fabrication of components
In this step, the binding of the steel bar of the beam and column is completed. The core stress
area of the beam and column joint is reinforced and the reinforcement is inspected according to the
final version of the construction drawings. Bolts should correspond to the holes in the steel plate joint
and the beam-column joint. Concrete is mixed in the factory, transported to the laboratory, poured
into the supported wetted formwork, and cured in the laboratory. Water is sprayed over the concrete
three times a day for the first four days to improve the strength of the concrete for later natural curing.
The formwork is removed after the component has been fully formed.
Step 3: Hoisting of specimen
Two lifting rings are welded at the diagonal position of the top of the column to facilitate the
lifting of the column. Thick steel wire rope is used in the process of lifting, and wooden formwork
is placed on the contact position between the concrete surface and the steel wire rope to prevent the
concrete from being crushed, and then it is hoisted flat to the test bed. The joints of the beam and
column are tied together for seam sticking, and grouting material is poured into the gaps to make the
joints airtight. The assembly is completed by connecting and hoisting the post and the beam, inserting
the high-strength bolts into the connection, and installing the reinforcing nuts. In order to ensure
the smooth butt-hole of high-strength bolts, there should be a good correspondence between the bolt
position and the hollow position of the steel pipe on the steel plate. The correspondence between the
hole on the column and the hole on the beam should not be more than 2 mm.

3.2. Layout of Strain Measurement Gauges

Strain measurement gauges are placed at key positions including the end of the column, the node
area, the core area, the beam end, the ox leg, etc., to understand the variation of strain and stress
of specimen under loads. The same branch of gauges with maximum electric current of 125A are
adopted in this experiment. The positions of gauges are shown in Figure 5: L1-L10 is used to measure
the distribution of stress of reinforced concrete beams under loads; L11-L15 is used to measure the
magnitude and direction of the main strain in the core region of the joints; Z1-Z8 is used to measure
the distribution of strain of column under constant axial force; N1-N6 measures the stress–strain
distribution of bolts under the action of horizontal load and vertical load.
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Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 14

(a) on the front of the beam (b) on the top of the beam (c) at the back of the beam and
and column
(a) on the front of the beam (c) at the back of the beam and
(b) on the top of the beam column
and column column
Figure5.5.
Figure
Figure 5.Layout
Layout
Layoutof of
of strain
strain gauges.
gauges.
strain gauges.

3.3.3.3. Test
Test
3.3. Loading
Loading
Test Scheme
Scheme
Loading Scheme

The The
The pseudo
pseudo
pseudo static
static
static testofof
test
test low-cycle
low-cyclerepeated
oflow-cycle repeated
repeated loading is adopted
loading
loading for for
isisadopted
adopted this study.
forthis The test
study.
this The
study. equipment
Thetesttest
equipment
equipment
is loaded by Beijing Foli electro-hydraulic servo loading system, with the displacement stroke of the
is loaded
is loaded bybyBeijing
BeijingFoli
Foli electro-hydraulic
electro-hydraulic servo servo loading
loadingsystem, withwith
system, the displacement
the displacementstroke stroke
of the of
actuator.
theactuator.
actuator.
This experiment took the beam end, the connection between corbel and bolt and the joint
This
This experiment
experiment took
took thethe beam
beam end,
end, thethe connection
connection between
between corbel
corbel and
and bolt
bolt andandthethe joint
joint core,
core, as the research object and used the mixed loading method to apply 670 kN of axial force to
core,
as the as the research
research object andobject
used and
theused
mixedtheloading
mixed method
loading to method
apply to apply
670 kN 670
of kNforce
axial of axial
to force
the to
column
the column top (see Figure 6).
topthe column
(see Figuretop
6). (see Figure 6).

(a) Design diagram (b) Field photo

Figure 6. Loading diagram.
(a) Design diagram (b) Field photo
3.4. Test Loading System FigureFigure 6. Loading
6. Loading diagram.
diagram.
According to the Code of Seismic Test for Buildings (JGJ/T101-2015) [22], the load-displacement
3.4.3.4. Test
Test Loading
Loading
double-control System was adopted in the test. By analyzing and calculating the specimens before
System
method
According
yield, the load
According to theCode
tocontrol
the Code
was ofofSeismic
usedSeismic Test for
and graded
Test for Buildings
loading (JGJ/T101-2015)
was applied.
Buildings Each grade
(JGJ/T101-2015) [22],
wasthe
[22], load-displacement
loaded
the 5 kN and
load-displacement
cycled once,
double-control and the differential
methodwaswasadopted loading
adopted in was
in the reduced
the test.
test. By before approximating to cracking and yieldbefore
double-control method By analyzing
analyzingand andcalculating
calculating thethe
specimens
specimens before
load. Displacement control was used when the specimens yielded, with each grade of load cycled 3
yield,
yield, thethe load
load controlwas
control wasused
usedandandgraded
graded loading
loading was
wasapplied.
applied.EachEachgrade
grade was
was loaded
loaded5 kN andand
5 kN
times, and the maximum displacement value of the specimen taken as the deformation value when
cycled
cycled once, andthe
thedifferential
differentialloading
loading was reduced
reduced before approximating to to cracking andandyield
theonce, and
specimens yielded. The multiple of the wasdisplacement was before
used approximating
as the grade difference cracking
to control yield
load.
load.the Displacement
Displacement control
control was
was used
used ofwhen
when the specimens
the specimens yielded, with each grade of load cycled 3
loading until the bearing capacity the specimen droppedyielded, with
to the point thateach
it wasgrade of load cycled
not suitable
times,
3 times, and the
and the
for further maximum displacement value of the specimen taken as the deformation
maximum displacement value of the specimen taken as the deformation value when
loading. value when
the specimens yielded. The multiple of the displacement was used as the grade difference to control
the specimens yielded. The multiple of the displacement was used as the grade difference to control
the loading
3.5. until the bearing capacity of the specimen dropped to the point that it was not suitable
Test Results
the loading until the bearing capacity of the specimen dropped to the point that it was not suitable for
for further loading.
further loading. 6

3.5. Test Results 6

The test loading direction stipulates that pushing down refers to positive direction (+), pulling up
refers to the negative direction (−), and the loading order is positive before negative. Considering the
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3.5. Test Results

The test
dead weight of loading
the beam, direction stipulates
the tension that pushing
is greater than 15downkN of refers to positive
thrust. direction
At the initial (+),of
stage pulling
loading,
theup refers to the and
deformation negative
strain direction (-), and thedid
of the specimen loading
not order
change is positive before and
significantly, negative. Considering
no cracks occurred.
Whenthe dead
loaded weight
to +30of kN,
the beam, thecrack
the first tension is greateratthan
appeared the 15 kN of
beam endthrust.
of theAtjoint
the initial stageand
core area, of loading,
a crack of
0.1 the
mmdeformation
wide appeared and strain
near theof the specimen
bearing platedid not change
of column. significantly,
Under and no of
reverse loading cracks occurred.
−45 kN, the first
When
crack loaded before
appeared to +30 kN, the first
it closed, andcrack
theappeared
crack on at thethe beamsurface
lower end of the joint
of the core is
beam area, and a crack
symmetric with ofthe
0.1 mm wide appeared near the bearing plate of column. Under reverse
crack on the upper surface of the beam. The mechanical properties and phenomena refer to the upper loading of −45 kN, the first
crackof
surface appeared
the beam. before
When it closed,
the force andwas
the loaded
crack ontothe +40lower
kN, surface
the beam of the
endbeam is symmetric
continued with cracks
to generate the
crack
under on the upper
tension, and the surface
crackof the beam.
width wentThe mechanicalnear
on increasing properties and phenomena
the bearing plate, withrefer to the upper
a maximum width
surface of the beam. When the force was loaded to +40 kN, the beam end continued to generate cracks
of 1.5 mm. The surface strain of steel reinforcement in the tension area increased gradually, and the
under tension, and the crack width went on increasing near the bearing plate, with a maximum width
strain and residual deformation of the steel plate and bolt also increased. When the reverse loading
of 1.5 mm. The surface strain of steel reinforcement in the tension area increased gradually, and the
was −55 kN, the corresponding cracks on the beam surface closed, but the cracks near the joint core
strain and residual deformation of the steel plate and bolt also increased. When the reverse loading
area and bolts did not close completely. When the force was loaded to +75 kN, the beam produced
was −55 kN, the corresponding cracks on the beam surface closed, but the cracks near the joint core
large
areadisplacement
and bolts didand notdeformation,
close completely. the width
When of thethe crack
force wasatloaded
the intersection
to +75 kN,ofthethebeam
T-shaped
producedsection
of beam end and the column
large displacement continuedthe
and deformation, towidth
increase to 1.8
of the mm,
crack andintersection
at the the stress ofof the reinforcedsection
the T-shaped rebar on
theofbeam
beam end and the column continued to increase to 1.8 mm, and the stress of the reinforced rebar
increased suddenly to its limit. At this time, force loading was changed into displacement
on theThree
loading. beamlevels
increased suddenly loading
of displacement to its limit.
of ±95 Atmm,
this±115
time,mm, force
andloading
±135 mm was arechanged
carried out intoand
eachdisplacement
level cyclesloading.
three times Threerespectively.
levels of displacement
With the load loading of ±95 mm,
increasing, ±115 mm,
the number andand width
±135 ofmmcracks
are carried
increases, andout
thusand each level
gradually cycles three
forming throughtimes respectively.
cracks as shown With the load
in Figure 7. increasing, the number
and width of cracks increases, and thus gradually forming through cracks as shown in Figure 7.

(a) Field photo of cracks on top of beam (b) Field photo of cracks on side of beam top

(c) Distribution diagram of cracks on top of beam

Figure 7. Cont.

7
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Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 14

(d) Distribution diagram of cracks on side of beam

Figure
Figure7.7.Crack
Crackdiagram
diagramof of
specimen.
specimen.

Thefinal
The finalpeak
peak load is +82
load is +82 kN,
kN, the
the peak
peakdisplacement
displacementis is +78
+78 mm,mm,thethe
ultimate loadload
ultimate is +72
is +72 kN kN
(greaterthan
(greater than85%
85% ofof the
thepeak),
peak),and
andthe corresponding
the correspondingultimate displacement
ultimate is +134ismm.
displacement +134During
mm. the
During
test, there was no crack in the precast concrete column. After the precast concrete beam
the test, there was no crack in the precast concrete column. After the precast concrete beam yields, yields, the
value
the valueof of
stress at connected
stress at connectedhigh-strength boltsbolts
high-strength does does
not reach the yield
not reach the strength.
yield strength.

4.4.Analysis
Analysisand
and Comparison
Comparison of
of Test
TestResults
Results

4.1.Joint
4.1. JointYield
Yieldand
andFailure
Failure Load
Load
Theultimate
The ultimatedisplacement
displacement andandthe
theultimate
ultimatebending
bending moment
moment areare
determined
determined by the
by geometric
the geometric
drawing method. After comparison in Table 3, the ultimate bending moment
drawing method. After comparison in Table 3, the ultimate bending moment of the test differed of the test differed
greatly
greatly
from the from the theoretical
theoretical value, mainly
value, mainly becausebecause the concrete
the concrete gradegrade
of theofT-shaped
the T-shapedendend of the
of the beam
beam is C40,
while the concrete grade of the column is C80. Due to the punching failure in the core area at
is C40, while the concrete grade of the column is C80. Due to the punching failure in the core area at the
the t-shaped
t-shaped end end of the
of the precast
precast concrete
concrete beam,the
beam, theultimate
ultimate bending
bendingmoment
moment at at
thethe
beam
beam endend
is much
is much
lower than the theoretical bending moment value. Therefore, although the high-strength bolt
lower than the theoretical bending moment value. Therefore, although the high-strength bolt produces
produces a large stress, it is not the expected high-strength bolt that produces a large deformation,
a large stress, it is not the expected high-strength bolt that produces a large deformation, resulting in a
resulting in a large angular deformation of beam–column joints.
large angular deformation of beam–column joints.
Table 3. Capacity and displacement value.
Table 3. Capacity and displacement value.
Theoretical Ultimate
UltimateUltimate
Bending
Theoretical Ultimate
BendingBending
Specimen
Specimen Bending Moment Moment Displacement
Displacement Failure Mode
Failure Mode
Moment Moment
My (kN.m) Mmax (kN.m) （mm ∆）
max (mm)
M y (kN.m) M max（kN .m） max
The concrete of T-shaped
The concrete of T-shaped
section where the beam end
Beam 456 266 section
134 where the beam
intersects theend
column is
partially destroyed
intersects the column is by
Beam 456 266 134 punching first, and then the
partially destroyed by
bending moment is destroyed
punching first, and then the
bending moment is destroyed
4.2. Hysteretic Curve
Finite element simulation of the mechanical properties of new dry-type connection joint were
8
conducted using ANSYS software. Integral modeling is adopted in this study. Reinforcement units were
 Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 14

4.2. Hysteretic Curve

Sustainability 2019, 11, 3348 9 of 14
Finite element simulation of the mechanical properties of new dry-type connection joint were
conducted using ANSYS software. Integral modeling is adopted in this study. Reinforcement units
regarded as subunits
were regarded as permeated in the concrete,
subunits permeated in theofconcrete,
which mechanical
of which properties
mechanicalcan be superimposed
properties can be
on the
superimposed on the plain concrete. The solid 65 units with kinematic hardening in thedatabase
plain concrete. The solid 65 units with kinematic hardening in the built-in material built-in of
ANSYS software
material was selected
database of ANSYS as constitutive
software wasmodel.
selectedParameters are setmodel.
as constitutive as follows: the elastic
Parameters are modulus
set as
wasfollows:
set to bethe
34elastic
GPa; themodulus was set to be 34GPa; the poisson ratio was set to be 0.2; the transfer
poisson ratio was set to be 0.2; the transfer coefficient of crack opening and
coefficient of crack opening and crack closure were set to be 0.35 and 1; meanwhile, the concrete
crack closure were set to be 0.35 and 1; meanwhile, the concrete compressive strength of beams and
compressive
columns were set strength
to be 32ofMPabeamsandand54 columns were set toThe
MPa, respectively. be 32MPa
common and3-D54 4-joint
MPa, respectively.
unit solid 182 Thewas
common
chosen 3-D 4-joint unit
for high-strength solid
bolts. 182main
The was chosen
model for high-strength
property bolts. The
was two-linear main model property
mixed-hardening. The was
elastic
two-linear
modulus was mixed-hardening.
set to be 200 GPa;The theelastic modulus
poisson wasset
ratio was set to
to be
be 0.45;
200GPa;thethe poisson
yield ratiowas
strength wassetsetto
to be
be 0.45; the yield strength was set to be 618MPa and the strain-hardening
618 MPa and the strain-hardening modulus was set to be 20,000. In-plane constraints and normal modulus was set to be
20000. In-plane
constraints were setconstraints
on the topand andnormal constraints
at the bottom of thewere set oncolumn.
concrete the top andEndat theofbottom
face concreteof beam
the
concrete column. End face of concrete beam was set as loading end. The partition
was set as loading end. The partition type of the model is free partition, and the mesh size of screw, type of the model
is freebeam,
concrete partition,
and and
columnthe mesh
was 25size
mm of and
screw,
100concrete beam, and column
mm, respectively. was 25mm
ADD action and 100mm,
was applied to nuts
respectively. ADD action was applied to nuts and screws in order to make them work together.
and screws in order to make them work together.
The hysteretic curve of finite element simulation and experiments are compared (in Figure 8).
The hysteretic curve of finite element simulation and experiments are compared (in Figure 8).

Figure8.8.Displacement
Figure Displacement curve.
curve.

TheThehysteretic loop
hysteretic is full
loop in in
is full thethe
simulated
simulated state,
state,which
whichisisdifferent
differentfrom
fromthetheexperimental
experimental results
results to
some extent, because the numerical model material is relatively ideal, and the
to some extent, because the numerical model material is relatively ideal, and the failure of the failure of the component
component
caused caused mechanical
by the uneven by the uneven mechanical
properties properties
of the materialofis the
notmaterial
considered is not considered
in the loading in the
process.
loading
In the process.
actual In the actual
test process, at thetest process,
initial stage at of
theloading,
initial stage
the of loading,
force the force and displacement
and displacement show a linear
show a linear
relationship. Withrelationship.
increasing force,With theincreasing
area of force, the area ring
the hysteresis of the hysteresis
also increases ring also increases
gradually, and the
coregradually,
area of the and theofcore
joint thearea
memberof theisjoint of thedeformed
severely member isbyseverely
extrusion deformed
and hasbyobvious
extrusion andfailure.
shear has
Thereobvious shear failure.
is a certain gap with There is aelement
finite certain gap with finite
simulation elementbut
analysis, simulation analysis,
the hysteretic butobtained
loop the hysteretic
by the
test loop obtained
is arched, by the that
indicating test isthearched,
plasticindicating
deformation thatcapacity
the plastic deformation
of the capacity of
whole component the stronger,
is still whole
component is still stronger, and under low-cycle repeated loading
and under low-cycle repeated loading the joint is better at absorbing seismic energy. the joint is better at absorbing
seismic energy.
4.3. Skeleton Curve
4.3. Skeleton Curve
The skeleton curves in the experimental state and the simulated state were compared (see Figure 9).
The skeleton curves in the experimental state and the simulated state were compared (see Figure
9).
9
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Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 14
Sustainability 2019, 11, 3348 10 of 14

Figure9.9.Load
Figure Load displacement
displacement curve.
curve.
Figure 9. Load displacement curve.

TheThe skeleton
skeleton curveininthe
curve the experimental
experimental state
stateisisrelatively consistent
relatively with
consistent the skeleton
with curvecurve
the skeleton in
The skeleton curve in the experimental state is relatively consistent with the skeleton curve in
the simulated
in the simulated state. Both
state.Both
Bothof of
them went
them through
went the stages
through of spring-yield-intensify-destroy.
the stages The
of spring-yield-intensify-destroy.
the simulated state. of them went through the stages of spring-yield-intensify-destroy. The
comparison
Thecomparison
comparison between
between the
themodel
modeland thethe
and test shows
test shows that thethe
that new
newtype of of
type assembled joint
assembled cancan
joint ensure
ensure
between the model and the test shows that the new type of assembled joint can ensure
good seismic performance underthe the conditionof of a strongly bolted connection.
good
good seismic
seismic performanceunder
performance under thecondition
condition of aa strongly
strongly bolted
boltedconnection.
connection.

5. Analysis
5. Analysis of
of of
NewNew Dry-type Connection Joint
Dry-Type Joint and Other Connection Joints
5. Analysis New Dry-typeConnection andOther
Connection Joint and OtherConnection
Connection Joints
Joints
5.1.
5.1.5.1.
New New Dry-type ConnectionJoint
Dry-Type Joint andPin
Pin Connection Joint
New Dry-typeConnection
Connection Jointand
and Pin Connection Joint
Connection Joint
Pin
PinPin connection jointisisaacommon
connection common kind of beam–column joint used in prefabricated buildings. It
connectionjointjoint is a common kind kindofofbeam–column
beam–column joint
joint usedused in prefabricated
in prefabricated buildings.
buildings. It
usually consists of of one or or more steel pins embedded ininthe column and inserted in thethe
beam hole,
usuallyconsists
It usually consists of oneone or more
more steel
steel pins
pinsembedded
embeddedin the
thecolumn
column and
andinserted in in
inserted the beambeamhole,
hole,
and
andand then
thenthen the gap is plastered with mortar. Tao [23] conducted a numerical simulation and
the isgap
the gap is plastered
plastered with mortar.
with mortar. Tao [23]Tao [23] conducted
conducted a numericala numerical
simulationsimulation and
and experimental
experimental research on the pin connection joint (in Figure 10). When the pinned joint is thick
experimental
research research
on the pin on thejoint
connection pin (in
connection
Figure 10).joint (in Figure
When 10). When
the pinned the
joint is pinned
thick jointtoisbe
enough thick
out of
enough to be out of the protective layer of concrete, its shear resistance and ductility are improved.
theenough to be
protective out of
layer of concrete,
the protective layerresistance
its shear of concrete, itsductility
and shear resistance and ductility
are improved. are inclination
And the improved. of
And the inclination of the pin connected joint increases from 0º~60º, while the bearing capacity of the
theAnd the inclination
pin connected jointofincreases
the pin connected jointwhile
from 0º~60º, increases
the from 0º~60º,
bearing whileof
capacity the bearing
the capacity
joint will also of the
increase.
joint will also increase. The pin connection joint method provides a simple concrete beam–column
Thejoint
pinwill also increase.
connection joint The pin connection
method provides joint method
a simple provides
concrete a simple concrete
beam–column beam–column
dry-type connection,
dry-type connection, which is a more convenient joint to disassemble.
dry-type
which connection,
is a more convenient which is a to
joint more convenient joint to disassemble.
disassemble.

Figure
Figure 10.10.Pin
Pinconnected
connectedassembled
assembled frame
frame beam–column
beam–columnjoint
joint[20].
[20].
Figure 10. Pin connected assembled frame beam–column joint [20].

The
TheThe pin
pinpin connection
connection is isnot
notpractical
practicalin
inhigh-rise
high-rise buildings
buildings because
becausethethebending
bendingmoment
moment increases
increases
connection is not practical in high-rise buildings because the bending moment increases
withwith the increase of building height, which increases the instability of the connectionjoint.
joint.ItItisisalso
also
with the increase of building height, which increases the instability of the connection joint. It is alsonot
the increase of building height, which increases the instability of the connection
not economically
economically feasible
feasiblefeasible
because because the connection
the connection method method makes
makes makes the
the overall overall structure
structure additionally
additionally complex
not economically because the connection method the overall structure additionally
complex
duecomplex due to itsnature.
compound nature.theMoreover, theconnection
use of pinalsoconnection alsodevelopment
leads to the of
due to its compound nature. Moreover, the use of pin connection also leads to the
to its compound Moreover, use of pin leads to the
large bending moments in joints. The new dry-type 10connection joint proposed in this research is more
10
convenient to install and disassemble. Joints connected by high-strength bolts have better rotation
 Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 14
Sustainability 2019, 11, 3348 11 of 14

development of large bending moments in joints. The new dry-type connection joint proposed in
this research
ability and are is
notmore convenient
limited to installfor
to connections andlow-rise
disassemble. Joints The
buildings. connected by high-strength
integrated bolts
ductility and energy
have better rotation ability and are not limited to connections for low-rise buildings. The integrated
consumption capacity of the new joint is also better.
ductility and energy consumption capacity of the new joint is also better.
5.2. New Dry-Type Connection Joint and Welded Connection Joint
5.2. New Dry-type Connection Joint and Welded Connection Joint
Welded plate connection joints are often applied to connect precast concrete members. Ersoy [24]
Welded plate connection joints are often applied to connect precast concrete members. Ersoy
carried out an experimental research of reversed cyclic loading on a structural framework beam-column
[24] carried out an experimental research of reversed cyclic loading on a structural framework beam-
joint connected by welding (see Figure 11). The result shows that the strength, stiffness, and energy
column joint connected by welding (see Figure 11). The result shows that the strength, stiffness, and
consumption of joints connected by welding are equivalent to those of cast-in-situ joints, but it is
energy consumption of joints connected by welding are equivalent to those of cast-in-situ joints, but
difficult to control
it is difficult the installation
to control quality of
the installation the joint
quality connected
of the by welding
joint connected by during
weldingon-site
during construction.
on-site
Since there is no obvious plastic hinge area during failure in this connection mode,
construction. Since there is no obvious plastic hinge area during failure in this connection mode, brittle failure
is brittle
likely failure
to occuris likely to occur at the welding seam under the action of repeated earthquake loads, so
at the welding seam under the action of repeated earthquake loads, so its energy
its energy consumption
consumption performance performance
is poor. is poor.

Figure11.
Figure 11. Assembled
Assembled frame
framebeam–column
beam–columnjoint connected
joint byby
connected welding.
welding.

Comparedwith
Compared withwelded
weldedconnection
connection joints,
joints,the
thenew
newdry-type
dry-type connection joint
connection in this
joint research
in this has has
research
been
been showntotobe
shown bemore
moreconveniently
conveniently installed
installedononsite,
site,and
andthe
thehysteretic curve
hysteretic curveandand
skeleton curve
skeleton curve
reflect
reflect thatthe
that thenew
newjoint
jointhas
has better
better ultimate
ultimate rotation
rotationcapacity
capacityand
anddeformation
deformation capacity as well
capacity as as
as well
better
better energyconsumption
energy consumptionunder
under earthquake
earthquake conditions.
conditions.

5.3.
5.3. New
New Dry-typeConnection
Dry-Type ConnectionJoint
Jointand
andRibbed
RibbedAngle
Angle Iron
Iron Connection
Connection Joint
Joint
Vidjeapriya[25]
Vidjeapriya [25]designed
designed prefabricated
prefabricated concrete
concretebeam–column
beam–column joint
jointconnection
connection integrating bolt bolt
integrating
corbel
corbel andribbed
and ribbedangle
angleiron
iron(Figure
(Figure 12).
12). The
Thelow-cycle
low-cyclerepeated
repeated test
testonon
a 1/3 scale
a 1/3 model
scale modelwaswas
carried
carried
out, in which the angle iron was connected to the prefabricated concrete beam–column
out, in which the angle iron was connected to the prefabricated concrete beam–column through bolts. through bolts.
In In the
the processofofrepeated
process repeatedloading,
loading, the
the failure
failuremode
modeandandcrack
crackmorphology
morphology of the ribbed
of the ribbedangle ironiron
angle
connection are consistent with a strong column and weak beam. In practical applications,
connection are consistent with a strong column and weak beam. In practical applications, the biggest the biggest
problem
problem in in
thethe failure
failure of assembled
of assembled beam–column
beam–column joints,
joints, is the
is the jointjoint itself.
itself. TheThe experiments
experiments have
have shown
shown that the new connection joint can better address the problem. The common advantage of the
that the new connection joint can better address the problem. The common advantage of the new joint
new joint and ribbed angle iron is their good energy consumption capability. However, for ribbed
and ribbed angle iron is their good energy consumption capability. However, for ribbed angle iron
connected joints, the two-way ribbed stiffener causes 11 joints to have a reduced bearing capacity and be
additional vulnerable to damage, thus negatively affecting floor connections in actual projects.
 Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 14

angle iron connected joints, the two-way ribbed stiffener causes joints to have a reduced bearing
capacity2019,
Sustainability and be
11, additional
3348 vulnerable to damage, thus negatively affecting floor connections in actual
12 of 14
projects.

Figure12.
Figure 12.Bolt
Bolt corbel-ribbed
corbel-ribbed angle
angleiron
ironconnection
connectionjoint.
joint.

TheThe
newnew dry-type
dry-type connectionjoints
connection joints with
with semi-rigid
semi-rigid structure
structurecan
canbetter
betterresist horizontal
resist action.
horizontal action.
In addition,
In addition, thethe result
result ofofthe
theexperiment
experimentshows
shows that
that they
they have
havebetter
betterbearing
bearingcapacity.
capacity.

6. Conclusions
6. Conclusions andFuture
and FutureResearch
Research

6.1.6.1. Conclusions
Conclusions
In In this
this study,
study, a rangeofofpseudo
a range pseudostatic
static tests
tests of
of beam–column
beam–columnconnection
connection joints were
joints carried
were out.out.
carried
FromFrom thethe testresults,
test results, the
the mechanical
mechanicalproperties
properties andandperformance
performance werewere
evaluated and compared.
evaluated The
and compared.
Thefollowing
following conclusions
conclusions cancan
be drawn.
be drawn.
(1)(1)
TheThenewnewbeam–column
beam–column joint jointconnected
connected bybyhigh-strength
high-strength boltsbolts
has high
has rotation rigidity,rigidity,
high rotation but
still has good rotational capability and a reasonable amount
but still has good rotational capability and a reasonable amount of ductility. of ductility.
(2) Due to the high strength of the connection bolts and the fact that the concrete beam–column
(2) Due to the high strength of the connection bolts and the fact that the concrete beam–column
intersection is easily extruded under increased loading, the concrete beam end is liable to be
intersection is easily extruded under increased loading, the concrete beam end is liable to be destroyed
destroyed first by punching before the bolts fail. Therefore, when designing the beam end, it is
first by punching before the bolts fail. Therefore, when designing the beam end, it is necessary to pay
necessary to pay attention to avoid the reduction of capacity due to the punching failure of beam end.
attention to avoid the reduction of capacity due to the punching failure of beam end.
(3) With high bolt connection strength, the new assembled joint can ensure that under the action
(3) With
of low cyclic high bolt connection
repeated strength,
load, the whole the new
assembled assembled
structural joint
system can ensure
maintains that
a full under the
hysteretic action
curve,
of low cyclic repeated load, the whole assembled structural
can better absorb seismic energy, and is structurally earthquake resistant. system maintains a full hysteretic curve,
can better(4) absorb
By comparing
seismicsome dry-type
energy, and isconnection
structurallyjoints, the new assembled
earthquake resistant. joint connected by high-
strength bolts in this test are more convenient to install and disassemble,
(4) By comparing some dry-type connection joints, the have better joint
new assembled bearing capacity, by
connected
ductility andbolts
high-strength energyin consumption capability,
this test are more and areto
convenient more suitable
install and for an actual seismic
disassemble, event. bearing
have better
capacity,The resultsand
ductility provide
energya foundation
consumption forcapability,
the analysis andof are
assembled structural
more suitable framework
for an systems
actual seismic event.
based
The on different
results formsaof
provide dry-type connection
foundation joints. of assembled structural framework systems
for the analysis
based on different forms of dry-type connection joints.
6.2. Future research
6.2. Future
(1) ItResearch
is found that the connection quality of the high strength bolt has a great influence on the
performance of the
(1) It is found new
that thedry-type connection
connection qualityjoint. The
of the testsstrength
high reveal that
bolt in
hasactual operation
a great the on
influence
connection between the bolt on the beam and the bolt on the column is not sufficiently
the performance of the new dry-type connection joint. The tests reveal that in actual operation the complete.
From thisbetween
connection experimental experience,
the bolt more attention
on the beam should
and the bolt on be
thepaid to dimensional
column accuracycomplete.
is not sufficiently when
designing and constructing components.
From this experimental experience, more attention should be paid to dimensional accuracy when
designing and constructing components. 12
(2) It is found from the tests that the connection bolts are very strong so that the concrete beam is
destroyed before the bolt connection fails. To help resolve this imbalance, future research could reduce
Sustainability 2019, 11, 3348 13 of 14

the strength grade of the high-strength bolts, or the beam end in contact with the column could be
equipped with more anti-punching shear rebar.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, W.M., K.D., J.H., V.W.Y.T.; Methodology, W.M., Y.L., K.D., B.C., J.H.,
Lab preparation and tests, W.M., Y.L., K.D., Writing the original manuscript: W.M., Y.L., K.D., B.C., J.H., V.W.Y.T.;
Reviewing and editing: W.M., B.C., J.H., V.W.Y.T.; Supervision: W.M., K.D.
Funding: This research was funded by the National Key Research & Development Program of China,
grant number 2016YFC0701500.
Acknowledgments: The research project has been funded by the National Key Research & Development Program
of China (2016YFC0701500). The authors would like to thank the laboratory provided by Anhui Jianzhu University
and the lab technicians for their help with the testing work.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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