Beam-to-Column Connections for Precast Concrete Moment-Resisting Frames

Published

May 16, 1994

Author(s)

Geraldine S. Cheok, William C. Stone, J Stanton, D Seagren

Abstract

Precast concrete frame construction is not used extensively in seismic regions of the USA. The UBC [ICBO, 1991] currently permits only certain specific building systems to be used and a precast frame is not one of them. The reason is that extensive research on cast-in-place frames has led to the development of reinforcement details that provide suitable ductility, and these details are now prescribed in the UBC. Im most cases, these details cannot be easily achieved in a purely precast system. The result is that most precast structures can be made to satisfy the UBC only under the guise of an "undefined structural system" which must "...be shown by technical and test data which establish the dynamic characteristics and demonstrate the lateral force resistance and energy absorption capacity to be equivalent to systems listed in Table No. 23-O for equivalent Rw values." This requirement makes approval of a precast frame very difficult. In addition, another UBC requirement calls for "reinforcement resisting earthquake-induced" forces to conform to ASTM A 706 and A 615 Grades 40 and 60 specifications which excludes prestressing steel. Since the advantages of precasting and prestressing are interlinked, this provision on prestressing inhibits the use of precast concrete.

Proceedings Title

4th Joint Technical Coordinating Committee

Conference Dates

May 16-17, 1994

Conference Location

Tsukuba,

Conference Title

Precast Seismic Structural Systems

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

concretes, beams, columns, tests, construction, structural systems, dynamic characteristics

Citation

Cheok, G. , Stone, W. , Stanton, J. and Seagren, D. (1994), Beam-to-Column Connections for Precast Concrete Moment-Resisting Frames, 4th Joint Technical Coordinating Committee, Tsukuba, , [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=909475 (Accessed October 11, 2025)