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 interac- tion between the concrete panels and…
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 interac- tion between the concrete panels and the structure, a numerical and experimental study on a connection sys- tem 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 con- sidered. 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 hori- zontal 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.