Experimental assessment of connections for precast concrete frames using ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete

Interest in precast construction system has been growing due to the emphasis on improving work zone safety, reducing construction time and environmental impact, while maintaining quality. This experimental study aimed to develop a method to connect precast elements avoiding the use of complex reinforcing details and inefficient construction processes. For that purpose, the outstanding properties of ultra high performance fibre reinforced concretes (UHPFRC) were used to develop continuity connections between precast elements. A two-stage experimental program was defined to study the behaviour of precast elements connected using short reinforcement splice lengths. In the first experimental stage, flexural beam tests were carried out to assess the use of short reinforcement splice lengths in continuity connections. In the second experimental stage, an alternative beam-column connection for precast construction using UHPFRC was proposed and tested. The configuration proposed avoids the interference between longitudinal and transversal reinforcement, reduces the in situ work and makes it possible to define an efficient and safe construction process.