Behaviour of a support system for precast concrete panels

Even though a large amount of precast concrete panels are produced every year in Europe, there is a lack of studies on the seismic behaviour of connection systems. In order to understand the interaction between the concrete panels and the structure, a numerical and experimental study on a connection system subjected to seismic action has been faced. Non-linear finite element analyses of a concrete panel portion connected to a concrete column by a steel system have been conducted with FE program DIANA. The non linear behaviour of the materials and of the contact surface between the panel and the support system are considered. Experimental tests have been carried out on prototype specimens representing a column portion linked by the connection system to a precast panel portion. The specimens have been subjected to cyclic horizontal displacement histories by imposed transverse displacement. The tests are an effective tool to validate the numerical results and to define an accurate force-displacement constitutive law of the connection.