Novelty prefabricated concrete beam‐to‐column joint using steel hybrid connection: Concept, test, and numerical investigation

Abstract The reliable connection between precast beams and columns is critical for prefabricated concrete (PC) frames to resist earthquakes. To improve the seismic performance of PC frames, an innovative joint with steel hybrid connections has been proposed, considering the superior structural performance and reliability of connections adopted in steel structure. In the paper, three beam‐to‐column joint specimens, including two proposed joints and one monolithic joint, were tested under lateral cyclic load. Results showed the proposed hybrid connection joint achieves the goal of strong joint‐weak member and strong column‐weak beam. For the proposed joint, premature failure was observed at the hybrid‐connected area of PC beams due to the pull‐out of longitudinal rebars and the core region of the joint was basically intact. In comparison, the damage in the core zone of the monolithic joint, caused by shear action, was more significant. The load‐carrying capabilities of the proposed joint and monolithic one were comparable. During the stage with small deformation, lateral stiffness and energy dissipation of the hybrid connection joint were less than the monolithic specimen. When the deformation was large, however, those of the proposed joint became higher before the pull‐out of longitudinal rebars, which may demonstrate the potential for excellent seismic performance. Moreover, a finite element model, considering the contacts of hybrid connections in detail, was established using ABAQUS software and validated against experimental results. According to numerical research, the anticipated failure mode was achieved when the hybrid connections of the PC beam and column were reliable. In the future, the hybrid connection construction of the PC beam still requires enhancement.