Engineering Structures 175 (2018) 177–190

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Engineering Structures
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/engstruct

Bearing capacity of embedded channel-shaped steel connections at precast T

concrete beam end
⁎
Guo Xiaononga, Gao Shuyua, Wang Lia, , Bui Tien Ngocb
a
College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
b
The Second Construction Co., Ltd of China Construction Third Engineering Bureau, Wuhan 430074, China

A R T I C LE I N FO A B S T R A C T

Keywords: Embedded channel-shaped steel (ECS) connection at precast concrete beam-end proposed in this paper is a kind
Prefabricated structure of novel connection. To study the performance of ECS connection, experiments on 12 specimens were carried
Precast reinforced concrete beam out. The embedded length of the ECS, the stirrup spacing, the cavity in the mid-span of the beam and the
Embedded channel-shaped steel connection eccentricity of the ECS were taken into account. Two kinds of failure modes were observed: lever-out of ECS and
Bearing capacity
crushing of the beam-end concrete. The experimental results indicate the following: (1) as the length of ECS
increases, the bearing capacity of the ECS connection increases; (2) the stirrup densification could significantly
improve the bearing and deformation capacity; (3) the mid-span cavity of the beam has limited influence on the
bearing and deformation capacity of the connection; (4) the eccentricity of ECS could slightly reduce the bearing
capacity owing to the additional torsion. Subsequently, finite element (FE) models were developed using
ABAQUS and validated by the test results. The FE simulations show good agreement with the test results. Based
on the verified FE models, a parametric study was conducted, considering different ECS properties including
embedded length, section and eccentricity, various stirrup spacing at the beam-end, concrete grade and the
distance between cavity and ECS. Finally, to prevent the lever-out of ECS, the optimum design of the ECS
connection was proposed according to previous discussion.

1. Introduction transformations and innovations on conventional beam-column con-

Compared with traditional structure, prefabricated structures have
many advantages such as green environmental protection, higher con-
struction efficiency, lower construction cost, industrialized production,
and well-guaranteed construction quality [1–6]. In view of this, pre-
fabricated structures has been promoted vigorously to replace cast-in-
site structures in China in recent years and has attracted more attention
[7–10]. However, as for prefabricated concrete structures, the me-
chanical property of the beam-column connections has strong influence
on the lateral stability and seismic performance. On the whole, the
typical beam-column connection of prefabricated concrete structures
mainly includes bracket connection and cast-in-site connection
[11–14], as shown in Fig. 1. Generally, the bracket connection is ex-
cellent in the high bearing capacity, but inefficient in the architectural
space. In contrast, cast-in-site connection can maintain the integrity of
structures, but it has some drawbacks, including more wet construc-
tions, longer construction period and reinforcement congestion in
connection regions.
To overcome the above shortages, numerous researchers have made
nections of prefabricated structures. H Wang et al. [15] proposed a
novel prestressed precast beam-column joint. For this joint, the beam
ends adjacent to the column are reinforced by steel jacket to prevent
concrete spalling. Steel strands and mild steel bars are used to provide
the joint with self-centering capacity and energy dissipation capacity,
respectively. Huang Y et al. [16] experimentally and numerically in-
vestigated the behavior of an innovative prefabricated beam-column
joint. In this approach, a composite steel truss and concrete beam is
adopted and connected to prefabricated high-strength composite col-
umns. And the lattice girders are introduced to restore the continuity of
the beams and improve the seismic behavior of the joints. Morgen and
Kurama [17–19] improved the unbonded post-tensioned precast con-
crete beam-column joints by placing a supplemental friction dampers at
the traditional joints. The reformed joints can substantially provide
energy dissipation for structures. Meanwhile, the structures can also
possess favorable self-centering capacity. Some novel beam-column
connections created to improve the ductility of building structures are
also available. Nakaki et al. [20] proposed a new-style beam-column
connection by introducing ductile connectors. Connector itself can

⁎
Corresponding author.
E-mail address: 1810025@tongji.edu.cn (L. Wang).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2018.08.043
Received 2 May 2018; Received in revised form 11 August 2018; Accepted 13 August 2018
0141-0296/ © 2018 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
X. Guo et al. Engineering Structures 175 (2018) 177–190

proposed the ECS connection at precast concrete beam end. Fig. 3 il-
lustrates the details of the ECS connection of precast concrete beam. A
specified length of channel-shaped steel is embedded at the end of
precast RC beam. Similarly, a section of connected channel-shaped steel
(CCS) is also welded on the precast SRC column. And the cross section
of ECS and CCS is identical to each other. The ECS and the CCS are
spliced with high-strength bolts on the construction spot. Considering
the installation error, the slotted holes are arranged on the CCS. Ac-
cordingly, the proposed ECS connection can be assembled rapidly and
handily, minimize site operation and eliminate the use of formworks.
Moreover, it’s easy to control construction quality of building structures
Fig. 1. Typical beam-column connections. adopted the ECS connections. Thus, this novel connection has a sig-
nificant meaning to motivate the progress of building industrialization
in China. As a result, this paper experimentally researched the bearing
utilize outstanding ductile performance and energy dissipation to en-
capacity of 12 ECS connection specimens subjected to unidirectional
hance seismic resistance of the whole structure. The ductile connection
loading. Also, a parametric study was carried out based on the verified
allows considerable displacement, without reducing structural in-
FE models to offer references for the subsequent design and application
tegrity. Tong L et al. [21] introduced cast steel connectors as replace-
of this new connection.
able energy-dissipating components in beam-column joints. And the
research indicated that joints with cast steel connectors were shown to
2. Test program
have good energy dissipation capacity with stable and plump hysteretic
curves. Li X et al. [22] created a new type of high-ductility joints for
2.1. Specimens
precast reinforced concrete (RC) frame, in which the high-ductility rods
embedded in joint core. Based on the results of their study, the rods
To investigate the bearing capacity of the new-type connection, a
were yielded at first while the beams and the columns kept elastic. It
series of experiments were conducted on 12 ECS connection specimens.
greatly improved the load-bearing capacity and ductility relative to
All precast RC beams had the same span of 1650 mm, the same cross-
monolithic joints. In addition, a new ductile moment-resisting beam-
section of 250 mm × 350 mm (the width of the section was 250 mm
column connection was developed by Hossein Parastesh et al. [23]. In
and the height was 350 mm, respectively), and the same ECS extension
the proposed system, prefabricated concrete columns are cast con-
length of 130 mm. All the specimens were fabricated with the same
tinuously to connect beam elements. Four diagonal bars are used in
materials as below: each beam was casted with C30 concrete; the
beam-column joint core to provide adequate strength and stability of
longitudinal reinforcement consisted of 3D18 bars (three bars with
the joints. Experimental study on the new connection specimens sub-
diameter of 18 mm) at the bottom and 2D18 bars at the top, adopting
jected to cyclic loading indicated that the proposed connection showed
HRB400; the stirrup was HPB300 with a diameter of 8 mm. All precast
considerably higher ductility and satisfactory energy dissipation capa-
concrete beams were designed in accordance with the guidelines of
city, compared with the similar monolithic specimens. Moreover, in the
Code for design of concrete structures [27]. In addition, ECS of the beam
study of Saeed Bahrami et al. [24], the performance of two new precast
and CCS of the column were connected together with three M24 high-
beam-column connections under lateral load are analyzed using non-
strength bolts, whose grade was 10.9. The details and pictures of the
linear FE model. The analytical results explained that the performance
specimens are shown in Fig. 4.
of these two precast connections was close to the corresponding
Four primary parameters were considered in the design of the spe-
monolithic connections. In addition, Guan D et al. [25] experimentally
cimen as follows:
investigated the hysteretic behavior, strength, deformability, stiffness,
and energy dissipation of the new full-scale beam-column connections.
(1) The embedded length of the ECS. In order to study the influence of
It was showed that the new connections presented superior flexural
the ECS embedded length on failure mode and bearing capacity,
strength and enhanced ductility.
group A included three cases: 100 mm, 200 mm and 300 mm.
Li G put forward an original prefabricated energy dissipation
(2) The stirrup spacing. Compared with stirrup spacing of 100 mm in
structural system named hinge-connected steel frame with buckling
group A, group B considered denser stirrup spacing of 50 mm, in the
restrained braces [26]. In this structural system (Fig. 2), precast RC
range of 300 mm at the both beam-ends.
beams and precast steel reinforced concrete (SRC) columns were hinged
(3) The mid-span cavity of the beam. To reduce the self-weight of the
together for the convenience of installation. And the lateral stiffness of
beam, the beam with mid-span cavity was developed. The distance
the structural system was supported by buckling-restrained brace or
between cavity and ECS was designed as 200 mm in group C, as
buckling-restrained steel plate shear wall. inspired by this, this article
illustrated in Fig. 4.
(4) The eccentricity of the ECS. To consider the practical construction
error, the ECS eccentricity of 20 mm was considered in group D,
compared with no eccentricity of specimen in group A. As shown in
Fig. 4, y0-y0 and y1-y1 are the neutral axes of the concrete beam
and ECS, respectively. The eccentricity mentioned above is the
distance between y0-y0 and y1-y1.

The detailed information of the specimens are tabulated in Table 1.

2.2. Materials

Mild steel Q235 was selected for the channel-shaped steel C25a/
C25b, when HRB400 and HPB300 were chosen for longitudinal re-
inforcements and stirrups respectively. To obtain the mechanical
Fig. 2. Prefabricated energy dissipation structural system. properties, seven tensile specimens were tested according to the

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X. Guo et al. Engineering Structures 175 (2018) 177–190

1 ECS; 2 Precast RC beam; 3 High-strength bolt; 4 CCS; 5 Precast SRC column

Fig. 3. Embedded channel connection configurations.

Chinese mechanical testing standard [28]. Among them, two tensile Table 1
specimens were cut directly from the longitudinal reinforcement and Specifications of the specimens.
stirrup, and three tensile specimens were cut from the ECS, as illu- Specimen High- Channel- Embedded Eccentricity Stirrup Cavity
strated in Fig. 5. To capture the constitutive relationship of the con- strength shaped length L/ c/mm spacing
crete, twelve concrete specimens were performed according to Chinese bolts steel mm s/mm
concrete testing standard [29]. The average mechanical properties ob-
A100-1 3M24 C25b 100 0 100 ×
tained from test are tabulated in Table 2. A100-2 3M24 C25b 100 0 100 ×
A200-1 3M24 C25b 200 0 100 ×
A200-2 3M24 C25b 200 0 100 ×
2.3. Loading protocol A300-1 3M24 C25b 300 0 100 ×
A300-2 3M24 C25a 300 0 100 ×

The test device is described in Fig. 6. The rigid connection was B200-1 3M24 C25b 200 0 50 ×
B200-2 3M24 C25b 200 0 50 ×
applied between the end-plate and the upright column of reaction
frame. That is to say, the CCS with stiffener was welded to the end- C200-1 3M24 C25b 200 0 100 √
plate, and ECS of in the RC beam and CCS on the column were bolted C200-2 3M24 C25b 200 0 100 √
D200-1 3M24 C25b 200 20 100 ×
together with 3M24 high-strength bolts. To the convenience of in- D200-2 3M24 C25b 200 20 100 ×
stallation, the slotted holes were machined on CCS. The mid-span
vertical loading was applied by a 100 Ton hydraulic jack, and delivered Note: “√” means there is a cavity in the beam. “×” is opposite.
to the RC beam through a backing plate. Force control mode was
adopted at the first stage of the experiment. And each load increment 2.4. Arrangement of measuring points
was 10 kN. When the plasticity of the specimen was observed in the
load-displacement curve, the loading method switched to be displace- The location of strain gauges and linear variable differential trans-
ment control. It is worth noting that the loading time should last at least ducers (LVDTs) were arranged identically in each specimen. The mea-
5 min at each step so that the accurate experiment response can be suring points could be classified into 4 categories according to their
obtained throughout the whole loading process. position:

y1 y1
78 80

y0 y1

7 9
250

250
12

12

78 80
20.7 19.9
y1 y1
C25a C25b

Fig. 4. Details and pictures of specimens (dimensions are in mm).

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X. Guo et al. Engineering Structures 175 (2018) 177–190

(a) Longitudinal reinforcement (HRB400)

(b) Stirrup (HPB300)

(c) Channel-shaped steel (Q235)

(d) Concrete specimens

Fig. 5. Material specimens.

Table 2
Material properties.
Material Yield strength/MPa Ultimate strength/MPa Yield strain/×10−6 Ultimate strain/×10−6 Elastic modulus/MPa

Channel-shaped steel 325.57 558.80 1584 219,451 205,715

Longitudinal reinforcement 475.01 680.17 2322 224,350 202,218
Stirrup 540.14 756.48 2641 228,120 216,440

Material Compressive strength/MPa Compressive strength/MPa Elastic modulus/MPa

Concrete 29.10 2.69 33,776

End-plate Hydraulic jack End-plate

Backing plate Specimen

Reaction Reaction
frame frame

175 825 825 175

2000

Fig. 6. Test device.

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X. Guo et al.
2 1
825
D1(D2)
50 125 125 50
D9
D10
D3(D4)
2 1 D11
(1) Eight horizontal LVDTs (D1 ∼ D8) were placed on the top surface
and bottom surface of both beam-ends, as illustrated in Fig. 7. Ac-
cording to the measured displacements of these LVDTs, the relative
rotation could be calculated during the loading process.
(2) The vertical LVDT (D11) was arranged at the mid-span of the spe-
cimen to monitor the mid-span vertical displacement (presented in
Fig. 7). In addition, two horizontal LVDTs (D9 and D10) were set at
the front side of the beam, as plotted in Fig. 7. These LVDTs could
be utilized to measure lateral deflection of the RC beam.
(3) The strain gauge rosette H1 was located at web plate of the ECS.
Besides, the strain gauges (P1 and P2) were arranged at top flange
and bottom flange of the ECS respectively, as shown in Fig. 8.
(4) Three longitudinal strain gauges (P5, P7 and P9) were arranged on
the negative reinforcement, and others (P6, P8 and P10) were as-
signed on the positive reinforcement, as shown in Fig. 9. Thus, the
strains of the longitudinal reinforcements can be recorded
throughout the test.
3. Experimental results
3.1. Failure modes
Judging by the crack growth pattern of the precast RC beam, the
whole experimental process could be summarized into four stages.
Critical load of each stage and failure modes were demonstrated in
Table 3, where Pu is the ultimate bearing capacity of ECS connections,
and Du is the deflection of corresponding to 0.85Pu (measured by D11 in
Fig. 7) [30].
(1) Stage 1. When the load reached P1, the first vertical crack was in-
itially observed at the bottom in the mid-span of the beam. As load
increased, the number, length and width of the cracks developed
gradually. The cracks began to expand to both ends of the beam.
And the orientation of the cracks was converted from the vertical
cracks to diagonal cracks inclined to the loading point.
(2) Stage 2. While the load reached P2, the concrete below the ECS
began to crack. Then the cracks extended to the both beam sides
rapidly.
(3) Stage 3. While the load reached P3, the number of the cracks was no
longer multiplied, but the length and width of the cracks still spread
with the increase of the load.
(4) Stage 4. When the load ran up to the ultimate bearing capacity Pu,
two kinds of failure modes were observed: the lever-out of ECS and
20 60
P1
125 50
P1
125
H1
H1
50 125
125
P2 P2
20 60 150~250
Fig. 8. Strain gauges of ECS.
Engineering Structures 175 (2018) 177–190
3 250 250 250
825
D5(D6)
D9 D1 D2 D6 D5
50 125 125 50
351
350
350
D10
D3 D4 D8 D7
D7(D8) D11
3 2-2 3-3
1-1
Fig. 7. Arrangement of LVDTs.
the concrete crushing at beam end, as displayed in Fig. 10.
To better illustrate the four stages of experimental process, P1, P2, P3
and Pu of specimen A300-2 are highlighted in Fig. 11.
3.2. Load-displacement curves
The load-displacement curves (measured by D11) of the group A
specimens are illustrated in Fig. 11. As the embedded length of ECS
increased, the ultimate bearing capacity of the specimens increased, but
the rate of increase was reduced obviously. When the embedded length
of the ECS varied from 100 mm to 200 mm, the ultimate bearing ca-
pacity increased by 25.27%. However, when the embedded length al-
tered from 200 mm to 300 mm, the ultimate bearing capacity was im-
proved by 11.03% merely. This is because the failure mode of A100
specimen was ECS lever-out, but the failure mode of A200 and A300
specimen was concrete crushing at beam-end, as described in Table 3.
Therefore, the ECS in A100 specimen cannot achieve full load trans-
ferring capacity, greatly reducing the ultimate bearing capacity of the
specimen. It is remarkable that the ultimate deflection of specimen 200
was the largest among all specimens adopting C25b. Moreover, com-
pared with A300-1 specimen adopting C25b, the ultimate bearing ca-
pacity of A300-2 specimen with C25a was lowered by 4.25% merely,
but the ultimate deflection was greatly raised by 63.30%. As a con-
sequence, C25a was adopted in the subsequent FE model.
The load-displacement curves of the group B specimens are plotted
in Fig. 12. When the stirrup spacing reduced from 100 mm to 50 mm,
the ultimate bearing capacity increased by 43.88% and the ultimate
deflection ascended by 30.14%. The main reason is that stirrup densi-
fication could strengthen the constraint of beam-end concrete. There-
fore, the collaborative work between the ECS and its surrounding
concrete could give full play to their material properties. Meanwhile,
the hoop reinforcement could improve the shear capacity of oblique
section of the beam-end. Because of stirrup densification, the ultimate
bearing capacity and deformation capacity of the connection were en-
hanced substantially.
The load-displacement curves of the group C specimens are shown
in Fig. 13. The dimensions of the cavity set in C200 specimen was
100 mm × 150 mm × 850 mm, which reduced the deadweight of the
RC beam by 8.5% . However, compared with the specimen without a
cavity, the bearing capacity of the specimen with a cavity declined by
merely 4.5%, and the ultimate deflection descended by 25.26%. It is
indicated that the cavity in the mid-span of the beam had little effect on
the ultimate bearing capacity, but it could influence the ultimate de-
formation to a certain extent. In a word, the cavity can lighten the self-
weight of the RC beam without obvious weakening the bearing capacity
of the connection.
The load-displacement curves of the group D specimens are dis-
played in Fig. 14. Compared with the specimen without ECS eccen-
tricity, the ultimate bearing capacity decreased by 3.41% merely, but
50 the ultimate displacement fell by 69.13%. It can be explained as fol-
lows: ECS belongs to uniaxial symmetrical section. When the centroid
axis of the channel-shaped steel deviated from the centroid axis of the
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P5 P7 P9 P5,P7,P9

350
P6 P8 P10 100 P6,P8,P10
100 725 725 250

Fig. 9. Strain gauges of steel reinforcement.

beam section, it would result in additional torsion, which led to the
biaxial stress state of concrete. As a consequence, the concrete cracked
in advance.
3.3. Load-strain curves
Fig. 15 illustrates the load-strain curves of longitudinal reinforce-
ment in specimen A200-2. The strains on the positive reinforcements
(P6, P8 and P10) was larger than those on negative reinforcements (P5,
P7 and P9). Moreover, neither of them reached the yield strain, which
means that when the specimen was destroyed, the longitudinal re-
inforcement still kept elastic. Fig. 16 shows the relationship between
the load and the rotation of beam-end of specimen A200-2. As illu-
strated in this picture, the obvious rotation was observed at the beam-
end. Furthermore, the rotation enlarged with the increase of the load
applied on the specimen.
4. FE simulations
In order to better understand the static performance of the ECS
connection, nonlinear numerical models were developed using the
ABAQUS 6.11/Standard [31].
4.1. FE model
A half-model was established in this paper, considering the sym-
metry of the geometric dimensions, load scheme and boundary condi-
tions of the RC beam. The components of FE model included end-plate,
bolt, reinforcement cage, ECS, concrete beam and loading plate, as
displayed in Fig. 17.
4.2. Element type and mesh generation
The selection of the element type and mesh generation were ex-
tremely important to reliable numerical analysis, because there are too
many contact interactions existed in this model. Moreover, the con-
vergence of FE model and the accuracy of analysis results depended on
the suitable selection. Therefore, T3D2 (the 3-node linear truss ele-
ment) was chosen to simulate the reinforcement cage. Meanwhile,
C3D8R (the reduced integration element) were adopted to mesh other
components in the specimen. Besides, the mesh size of the ECS, end-
plate and bolt was 20 mm. And the mesh size of the concrete beam,
reinforcement cage and loading plate was 25 mm. The meshed assembly
model was illustrated in Fig. 17(g).
4.3. Contact interactions
Contact interactions are introduced to simulate the relations be-
tween two touched components implemented in the FE model, which
could transfer the force between two contacted components. Six kinds
of contact pairs were specified in the FE model, as depicted in Fig. 18.
The constraint between reinforcement cage and concrete beam was
embedded relation, in which the host region was concrete beam and the
embedded region was reinforcement cage. The surface-to-surface in-
teraction was adopted for ECS-concrete beam contact pair, ECS-end
plate contact pair and bolt nut-ECS (end-plate) contact pair. The tan-
gential friction coefficient of 0.3 was applied for these three kinds of
contact pairs. And the normal interaction was selected as hard contact
without limiting the transfer of compressive force between the inter-
faces. The screw-bolt wall contact also employed surface-to-surface
interaction. But the tangential behavior of this contact pair was set as
frictionless. The normal behavior of the contacting surfaces was the
same as the former pair (hard contact). For the loading plate-concrete
beam contact pair, the constraint was created as tie, indicating that
relative movement and deformation could not occur on the tied sur-
faces.
4.4. Material properties
Bilinear kinematic hardening model (BKN) was adopted for the ECS,

Table 3
Test results.
Specimen Failure mode P1/kN P2/kN P3/kN Pu/kN Du/mm

A100-1 The concrete at the right beam-end crushed. The ECS levered out of the concrete. And there was not obvious deformation 100.0 150.0 180.0 232.7 12.50
A100-2 and rotation observed on ECS. 100.0 150.0 190.0 234.3 10.56

A200-1 The concrete at the right beam-end crushed. The ECS appeared obvious rotation relative to the concrete, and with a little 80.0 230.0 260.0 291.7 37.43
A200-2 deformation. 80.0 230.0 260.0 293.3 30.02

A300-1 The concrete at the right beam-end crushed. Visible rotation and deformation were observed on the ECS. 100.0 260.0 290.0 331.5 27.52
A300-2 The concrete at both beam-ends crushed (more serious at the right end). Visible rotation and deformation were observed 100.0 250.0 280.0 318.0 44.94
on the ECS.

B200-1 The concrete at the right beam-end occurred shear-compression failure mode. The ECS appeared visible rotation and 80.0 350.0 – 419.5 42.92
B200-2 deformation. 80.0 340.0 – 422.2 44.86

C200-1 The concrete at the left beam-end crushed. The ECS occurred slight rotation and deformation. 80.0 260.0 – 279.7 27.42
C200-2 80.0 250.0 – 280.1 26.43

D200-1 The concrete at the left beam-end crushed. The ECS rotated and deformed slightly. 90.0 240.0 270.0 283.4 18.37
D200-2 90.0 250.0 270.0 282.3 21.51

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X. Guo et al. Engineering Structures 175 (2018) 177–190

(a) A100-1 (b) right beam-end of A100-1

(c) A200-2 (d) A300-1 (e) A300-2

(f) B200-1 (g) C200-1 (h) D200-1

Fig. 10. Failure modes.

Fig. 11. Load-displacement of the group A specimens.

Fig. 12. Load-displacement of the group B specimens.

reinforcement cage and end-plate. Moreover, damaged plasticity model εtrue = ln(1 + εnom ) (2)
was applied in concrete beam to simulate its constitutive relation [32].
The material properties of all the components in the FE models referred
σtrue
to the material tests, as listed in Table 2. In addition, true stress and true εpl = εtrue−
E (3)
strain has been required in FE models developed by ABAQUS. Due to
large deformations are observed in the testing specimens, the true
where σture is the true stress, σnom is the nominal stress obtained from
plastic strain was required when defining the material properties of all
the material tests; εture represents the ture strain, εnom represents the
the components. And the true stress and true plastic strain can be cal-
nominal strain obtained from material tests, εpl represents the true
culated by Eqs. (1)–(3).
plastic strain; E is the elastic modulus.
σtrue = σnom (1 + εnom ) (1)

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X. Guo et al.
Fig. 13. Load-displacement of the group C specimens.
Fig. 14. Load-displacement of the group D specimens.
Fig. 15. Load-strain curves of specimen A200-2.
4.5. Boundary conditions and loading scheme
Fig. 19 describes the boundary conditions and loading scheme of the
FE model. Considering half-model was established, the symmetrical
boundary conditions were applied to the mid-span of the specimen, and
at the left side of the end-plate, fixed constraints were created. Fur-
thermore, the reference point (RP) was coupled with the loading plate
so that the vertical enforced displacement could be applied to the RP
directly.
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Engineering Structures 175 (2018) 177–190
Fig. 16. Load-rotation curve of specimen A200-2.
5. Verification of the FE model
5.1. Failure modes
The above developed ABAQUS FE model was validated by com-
paring the numerical results against test results, including failure modes
and load-deflection curves.
The comparisons of failure modes are presented in Fig. 20. The
equivalent plastic strain contour of concrete beam and ECS in the FE
model matched well with the test results. As illustrated in Fig. 19(a),
plastic deformation of specimen A100-1 mainly concentrated at the end
of the RC beam and the ECS still remained elastic and almost un-
deformed, which exactly reflecting the actual failure modes listed in
Table 3. Different from specimen A100-1, the ECS of specimen A200-2
appeared obvious deformation and rotation, as showed in Fig. 19(b).
Thus, the failure modes of the FE simulations were well validated
against the test results.
5.2. Load-deflection curves
Fig. 21 shows the comparisons of the numerical and experimental
load-deflection curves. It can be seen clearly that the initial stiffness of
FE models and testing specimens was almost identical. But deviation
between two curves appeared gradually after the load reached the peak
value. The ultimate loads obtained from FE models were validated with
the experimental results, as presented in Table 4. It is indicated that
maximum error was only 2.63%, which are controlled within 5%. In
general, these FE models are able to simulate the mechanical behavior
of ECS connection with reasonable accuracy.
6. Numerical study based on the validated models
6.1. Parametric study
To investigate the effect of different parameter on the mechanical
behavior of the ECS connection, a parametric study based on the vali-
dated FE models was conducted. The main information and ultimate
bearing capacity (Fu) of all FE models were summarized in Table 5. A
total of 6 key parameters were taken into account, including the em-
bedded length of ECS (L), stirrup spacing at the beam-end (s), the dis-
tance between cavity and ECS (d), the eccentricity of ECS (c), concrete
grade and the section specifications of ECSs and concrete beams. Ac-
cording to these 6 parameters, group A-F models were introduced re-
spectively.
(1) The embedded length of ECS (L). The embedded length of ECS
ranged from 100 mm to 300 mm in group A. The FE results are
described in Fig. 22. It can be observed that the ultimate loads
X. Guo et al. Engineering Structures 175 (2018) 177–190

(a) End-plate (b) Bolt (c) Reinforcement cage (d) ECS (e) Concrete beam (f) Loading plate (g) Assembly model
Fig. 17. FE model.

increased with the increase of the ECS embedded length, but the
increase rate was slower and slower. When embedded length in-
creased from 100 mm to 150 mm, the ultimate load increased by
21.23%. While embedded length increased from 150 mm to
300 mm, the increase of ultimate load was relatively smaller. For
example, when embedded length increased from 250 mm to
300 mm, the ultimate load raised by 1.52% merely.
(2) Stirrup spacing at the beam-end (s). To investigate the influence of
stirrup spacing on ultimate load, FE models with four kinds of
stirrup spacing were established in group B. Fig. 23 compares the
load-displacement curves and ultimate loads of A-200 and group B
models. It can be seen that stirrup densification at the beam-end
had a great effect on the ultimate load. As the stirrup spacing was
narrowed down, the ultimate load increased by degrees. But when
the stirrup spacing increased to a certain extent, the growth curve
tended to level off. For instance, as the stirrup spacing altered from Fig. 19. Boundary conditions and loading scheme.
100 mm to 70 mm, the ultimate load raised by 30.11%. However,
while the stirrup spacing reduced from 50 mm to 40 mm, the ulti- eccentricity of 20 mm reduced by 4.36%. Therefore, the installation
mate load increased by 1.17% only. error caused by the eccentricity of ECS would not damage the
(3) The distance between cavity and ECS (d). Fig. 24 illustrates the mechanical performance of the ECS connection significantly.
load-displacement curves and ultimate loads of A-200 and group C (5) Concrete grade. The FE models with five kinds of concrete grades
models. It can be revealed that the cavity in the mid-span of the were established in group E, ranging from C30 to C50. The ultimate
beam had little influence on the ultimate load of the connection. load of the FE models increased nonlinearly with the increase of
The cavity slightly weakened the ultimate load of the connection concrete strength, as revealed in Fig. 26. Accordingly, improving
with the increase of the cavity size. Consequently, a specific cavity the strength of concrete isn’t an effective method to enhance the
could be set in the mid-span of the beam to reduce the self-weight of mechanical properties of the ECS connection.
RC beam, without harming the ultimate bearing capacity obviously. (6) The section specifications of ECSs and concrete beams. Fig. 27(a)
(4) The eccentricity of ECS (c). The eccentricity of ECS would lead to shows the load-displacement curves of group F, which also in-
additional torsion in ECS connection. Therefore, to investigate its dicates a considerable influence of section specifications of ECSs
impact on the ultimate load of the connection, the FE models with and beams on the ultimate load. It can be observed that the ultimate
four kinds of ECS eccentricities were established in group D, ran- load of group F models improved significantly with the increase of
ging from 5 mm to 20 mm. As exhibited in Fig. 25(b), the ultimate section size. When section specifications were strengthened from F-
load of FE models decreased with a gradually growing tendency as 20a to F-25a, the ultimate load increased by 40.90%. Hence, en-
the eccentricity of ECS increased, but the reduction extent was re- hancing the section specifications of ECSs and beams is extremely
latively small on the whole. In addition, compared with the FE beneficial to improve the ultimate bearing capacity of ECS con-
model A-200 with no eccentricity, the FE model D-20 with an nections.

(a) Reinforcement cage-concrete beam (b) ECS-concrete beam (c) ECS-end-plate

(d) Bolt nut-ECS (end-plate) (e) Screw-bolt wall (f) Loading plate-concrete beam
Fig. 18. Contact interactions of the FE model.

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X. Guo et al. Engineering Structures 175 (2018) 177–190

(a) Specimen A100-1

(b) Specimen A200-2

Fig. 20. Validation of FE models.

6.2. Optimum design Table 4

Comparisons of ultimate loads.
In this paper, the failure modes of the ECS connection were defined Specimen Test result/kN FE model/kN Error/%
as follows: the crushing of the beam-end concrete and the lever-out of
ECS. Generally, if the ECS was not long enough, it might lever out from A100-2 234.3 233.1 −0.51
the concrete, which could severely waste the material properties of the A200-2 293.3 295.1 0.61
A300-2 318.0 316.9 −0.35
concrete and weaken the ultimate loading capacity of the ECS con- B200-2 422.2 419.8 −0.57
nection. Compared with the specimens destroyed by concrete crushing, C200-2 280.1 281.7 0.57
the specimens failed at the lever-out of ECS had a lower ductility. D200-2 282.3 289.7 2.63
Accordingly, the lever-out of ECS should be avoided in the practical
application. Then optimal embedded length of ECS was investigated in
the following part. first FE model whose L/H was 0.4 in the same group. For example, the
A total of five types of RC beams with different cross-sections rate of model L-20-3 equals to (188.88–153.27)/153.27 × 100%, which
matching suitable ECSs were introduced in group L models. Table 6 lists is 23.23%. Besides, the name pattern of the FE model is L-H-number, in
the simulation results of the FE models, where H is the height of ECS which L represents the group L, H is the height of ECS and number
and the rate represents the Fu growth rate of the model relative to the indicates the order of the model in its group. For instance, L-20-3 is the

(a) A100-2 (b) A200-2 (c) A300-2

(d) B200-2 (e) C200-2 (f) D200-2

Fig. 21. Comparisons of load-deflection curves.

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Table 5
Main information of the FE models.
No. FE model Beam section ECS L s c Cavity d Concrete Fu
/mm /mm /mm /mm /kN

1 A-100 250 × 350 C25b 100 100 0 × – Test value 233.10

2 A-150 250 × 350 C25b 150 100 0 × – Test value 282.60
3 A-200 250 × 350 C25b 200 100 0 × – Test value 295.14
4 A-250 250 × 350 C25b 250 100 0 × – Test value 312.17
5 A-300 250 × 350 C25b 300 100 0 × – Test value 316.93
6 B-40 250 × 350 C25b 200 40 0 × – Test value 426.26
7 B-50 250 × 350 C25b 200 50 0 × – Test value 421.32
8 B-60 250 × 350 C25b 200 60 0 × – Test value 412.97
9 B-70 250 × 350 C25b 200 70 0 × – Test value 384.02

10 C-100 250 × 350 C25b 200 100 0 √ 100 Test value 267.10
11 C-150 250 × 350 C25b 200 100 0 √ 150 Test value 278.63
12 C-200 250 × 350 C25b 200 100 0 √ 200 Test value 281.70
13 C-250 250 × 350 C25b 200 100 0 √ 250 Test value 288.61
14 C-300 250 × 350 C25b 200 100 0 √ 300 Test value 291.15

15 D-5 250 × 350 C25b 200 100 5 × – Test value 293.74

16 D-10 250 × 350 C25b 200 100 10 × – Test value 291.30
17 D-15 250 × 350 C25b 200 100 15 × – Test value 287.99
18 D-20 250 × 350 C25b 200 100 20 × – Test value 282.27

19 E-30 250 × 350 C25b 200 100 0 × – C30 286.78

20 E-35 250 × 350 C25b 200 100 0 × – C35 291.55
21 E-40 250 × 350 C25b 200 100 0 × – C40 298.68
22 E-45 250 × 350 C25b 200 100 0 × – C45 304.78
23 E-50 250 × 350 C25b 200 100 0 × – C50 306.52

24 F-20a 200 × 300 C20a 160 100 0 × – C30 202.37

25 F-25a 250 × 350 C25a 200 100 0 × – C30 285.14
26 F-28a 250 × 400 C28a 220 100 0 × – C30 334.05
27 F-32a 300 × 450 C32a 260 100 0 × – C30 389.31
28 F-36a 300 × 500 C36a 290 100 0 × – C30 472.43

third one in the FE models assembled with C20a, of which the height is
20 cm.
Fig. 28 illustrates the relation between the ultimate loads and L/H of
the FE models assembled with the ECS C25a. When L/H (the ratio of
embedded length to cross-section height of ECS) was less than 0.8, the
ultimate load was increased rapidly with the growth of L/H. This
phenomena was caused by the conversion of the failure mode. If L/H
was relatively small, the connection would fail at the lever-out of ECS.
Then the material properties of RC concrete were dissipated so seriously
that the ultimate bearing capacity declined severely. However, when
the failure pattern was converted to the crushing of the beam-end
concrete, the RC beam could be well utilized to greatly improve the
ultimate load of the connection.
Fig. 29 depicts the relation between growth rate and L/H of all these
five types RC beams assembled with corresponding ECS. As L/H in-
creased, the Fu growth rate went up slower and slower, even dropped a
little in the FE models equipped with C32a and C36a. Clearly, the five
types of the ECS connections exhibited the identical characteristics as
follows: as L/H was less than 0.8, the relative growth rate increased
proportionally with the increase of L/H; however, all the curves leveled
off gradually when L/H was larger than 1. Apparently, when L/H
ranged from 0.8 to 1, the embedded length was the most economical
and reasonable, and the lever-out failure mode could be avoided in this
way.
7. Conclusions
This research proposed the new-style ECS connection of the precast
RC beam which can be applied in prefabricated structures. A series of
static bearing capacity tests were carried out on 12 specimens, and FE
parametric studies were implemented. Based on the results, the main
conclusions can be drawn as follows:

(a) Load-displacement curves (b) Ultimate loads

Fig. 22. Influence of the embedded length.

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(a) Load-displacement curves (b) Ultimate loads

Fig. 23. Influence of the stirrup spacing.

(a) Load-displacement curves (b) Ultimate loads

Fig. 24. Influence of the cavity.

(a) Load-displacement curves (b) Ultimate loads

Fig. 25. Influence of the eccentricity of ECS.

(1) Two kinds of failure modes were observed: the lever-out of ECS and
the crushing of the beam-end concrete. And the out-of-plane de-
formation of the precast RC beam was nearly zero during the whole
test.
(2) The bearing capacity of these specimens increased with the increase
of the embedded length of the ECS, but the growth rate was reduced
gradually. In addition, the ultimate deflection was maximum as the
embedded length was 200 mm. Moreover, stirrup densification
could enhance the ultimate load and reduced the deformation of the
connection obviously, also giving full play to the material proper-
ties of concrete. Furthermore, the cavity in the mid-span of the
beam had slight effect on the ultimate bearing capacity and de-
formation capacity. Nevertheless, it can lighten the self-weight of
the precast RC beam effectively, which has a significant meaning to
the prefabricated structures. Finally, an additional torsion resulted
from the eccentricity of the ECS, which lowered the load bearing
and deformation capacity of the connection to a small degree.
(3) In general, the numerical models are capable of capturing the me-
chanical behavior of the specimens, showing great agreement to the
experimental data. Furthermore, the calibrated models are able to
be employed in the subsequent parametric studies.
(4) Based on the validated FE model, large-scale numerical simulations

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(a) Load-displacement curves (b) Ultimate loads

Fig. 26. Influence of concrete grade.

(a) Load-displacement curves (b) Ultimate loads

Fig. 27. Influence of specifications of ECS connection.

Table 6
The FE results of models in Group L.
No. FE model Beam section ECS L s c H L/H Cavity d Concrete Fu Rate
/mm /mm /mm /mm /mm /kN /%

29 L-20-1 200 × 300 C20a 80 100 0 200 0.4 × – C30 153.27 0.00
30 L-20-2 200 × 300 C20a 120 100 0 200 0.6 × – C30 176.59 15.21
31 L-20-3 200 × 300 C20a 160 100 0 200 0.8 × – C30 188.88 23.23
32 L-20-4 200 × 300 C20a 200 100 0 200 1 × – C30 195.99 27.87
33 L-20-5 200 × 300 C20a 240 100 0 200 1.2 × – C30 196.75 28.37
34 L-25-1 250 × 350 C25a 100 100 0 250 0.4 × – C30 227.90 0.00
35 L-25-2 250 × 350 C25a 150 100 0 250 0.6 × – C30 257.29 12.90
36 L-25-3 250 × 350 C25a 200 100 0 250 0.8 × – C30 280.25 22.97
37 L-25-4 250 × 350 C25a 250 100 0 250 1 × – C30 288.67 26.67
38 L-25-5 250 × 350 C25a 300 100 0 250 1.2 × – C30 291.32 27.83
39 L-28-1 250 × 400 C28a 110 100 0 280 0.4 × – C30 262.67 0.00
40 L-28-2 250 × 400 C28a 170 100 0 280 0.6 × – C30 288.85 9.97
41 L-28-3 250 × 400 C28a 220 100 0 280 0.8 × – C30 301.86 14.92
42 L-28-4 250 × 400 C28a 280 100 0 280 1.0 × – C30 309.60 17.86
43 L-28-5 250 × 400 C28a 340 100 0 280 1.2 × – C30 314.83 19.86
44 L-32-1 300 × 450 C32a 130 100 0 320 0.4 × – C30 337.01 0.00
45 L-32-2 300 × 450 C32a 200 100 0 320 0.6 × – C30 368.23 8.30
46 L-32-3 300 × 450 C32a 260 100 0 320 0.8 × – C30 373.78 10.91
47 L-32-4 300 × 450 C32a 320 100 0 320 1.0 × – C30 380.63 12.94
48 L-32-5 300 × 450 C32a 380 100 0 320 1.2 × – C30 378.85 12.41
49 L-36-1 300 × 500 C36a 140 100 0 360 0.4 × – C30 343.45 0.00
50 L-36-2 300 × 500 C36a 210 100 0 360 0.6 × – C30 387.50 11.37
51 L-36-3 300 × 500 C36a 290 100 0 360 0.8 × – C30 404.48 15.09
52 L-36-4 300 × 500 C36a 360 100 0 360 1.0 × – C30 412.24 16.69
53 L-36-5 300 × 500 C36a 430 100 0 360 1.2 × – C30 406.73 15.56

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Fig. 28. Ultimate load-L/H of series L-25.
Fig. 29. Growth rate-L/H.
were conducted to analyze the influence of each parameter on ul-
timate bearing capacity of this novel connection. To prevent the
lever-out of ECS, the optimal design of the ECS connection was
proposed according to the parametric study. When L/H was within
0.8–1, the ultimate bearing capacity was relatively higher and
failure mode of the lever-out of ECS could be avoided efficiently.
So, confining L/H within 0.8–1 was the most economical and im-
pactful method to improve the mechanical performance of the ECS
connections.
Acknowledgement
The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided
by Natural Key Research and Program supported by Ministry of Science
and Technology of China under Grant No. 2016YFC0701603.
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