Grouted sleeve connections used in precast reinforced concrete construction - Experimental investigation of a column-to-column joint

In the tension test failure took place far from the interface between the precast units and highlighted the effectiveness of the stress transfer along the splice region. In all other tests, damage developed at the interface between the two units. In the bending tests with and without axial compression significant over-strengths with respect to design resistances computed for equally-reinforced monolithic members were attained. Because of the reduced thickness of the interface between the precast units, the rotation that concentrated at the interface led to a moderate reduction of the global bending stiffness. In the shear test the pure shear capacity of the bars crossing the joint was achieved. The cyclic bending test showed a ductile and stable hysteretic behavior of the connection.