Development of Precast Concrete Column-Column Bolted Connection

The objective of this study is to develop precast concrete column-column bolted connection by applying the finite element method (FEM) to the design of this connection. This study focused on the finding of the suitable size of all connected parts that could be made from available materials in market. The design of connection would be developed for supporting 3 different sizes of rebars in the column including DB12, DB16 and DB20 (SD40). The study started from the use of simple equation to specify the size of the connected parts before making 3D computer model in FEM. This model consisted of 5 connected sub-parts including 1. Splice bar, 2. Weld 1, 3. Plate 1, 4. Weld 2 and 5. Base plate. Then, force and boundary conditions were assigned into the model to study the behavior of the connector through linear and non-linear finite element analysis.

FEM analysis would lead to obtain the quantity of Von Misses stress in the sub-parts and maximum shear stress around welding that help to indicate the failure mode, sequence of yielding in each connected parts, and maximum tensile strength of the connector. These results would confirm the safety of design and provide guidelines for supporting further development of connector.