Nonlinear FE analysis of slab-beam-column connection in precast concrete structures

In this paper, a nonlinear finite element analysis of slab-beam-column connection in precast concrete structures is presented. The detailed experimental results of the full-scale connection have been discussed in a different paper. However, due to the complexity of slab-beam-column connection and the unique features of the tested specimen, the numerical study was carried out to better understand the structural behavior. The internal connection was comprised by corbels, dowels and a continuity bars passing though the column. The FE model was validated using the experimental results of the precast concrete connection and it showed good capacity to represent the behavior observed in laboratory. A parametric analysis was conducted with the variation of the diameter of the continuity bars and the properties of the cast in place concrete. As a result of this study, some information about stresses, strains and displacements not obtained experimentally was determined in the numerical simulation and, with the parametric analysis it was concluded that the diameter of the continuity bars had more influence in the precast concrete connection capacity than the concrete compressive strength.