A Numerical Study On The Seismic Performance Of A Horizontal Dry Connection For Precast Concrete Shear Walls

Dry connections,primarily consisting of high-strength bolts and steel plates,are commonly used in precast structures.Based on their configuration and load-transfer mechanism,the connection methods can be classified as horizontal and vertical dry connections.A horizontal dry connection comprising square-shaped ring connectors made of Q235 steel tube,high-strength hex nuts and flat washers,and small volumes of grout to embed the connection’s components post-assembly,is proposed as a longterm solution to some of the drawbacks associated with bolted connections.A numerical study was conducted on two full-scale RC shear walls,including one monolithic and one precast specimen,to assess the effectiveness of the connection method under fully reversed cyclic lateral loading.A parametric study was also carried out on the thickness and grade of the steel tube,grade of the vertical steel bars,number of ring connectors,and diameter of the vertical steel bars at the connection joints.The displacement ductility of the precast specimen integrating the proposed bolted connection was nearly twice as much as the reference specimen.However,its relative energy dissipation capacity and shear strength were about 49% and 25.56%lower,respectively.Changes in the thickness and grade of the steel tube showed no apparent improvements in the seismic performance of the bolted connection.The numerical results indicated that increasing the diameter of the vertical steel bars at the connection joints was most effective,registering an increase in shear strength and energy dissipation of 14.17% and 36.39%,respectively,when the diameter was changed from 12 mm to 16 mm.