Nonlinear Mechanical Model of Seismic Behaviour of Beam-Column Pin Connections

The present study is part of an experimental research project whose objective is to quantify the characteristic parameters of the seismic behaviour (in terms of strength, stiffness, ductility, dissipated energy, deformability, degradation, damage) of the dowelled connections commonly adopted in Italian precast structures for the beamcolumn joints. The monotonic test has been carried out up to the failure of the specimen, in order to measure the entire load-displacement curve (“skeleton” curve) and to identify the various displacement levels characterizing the following cyclic tests. The results obtained by test are then compared with the scanty bibliographical data. A nonlinear mechanical model of seismic behaviour of the connection is also proposed in order to implement the same one in partial and global numerical models. The results of the experimental campaign may have a direct industrial relevance, since they will be used for the development of guidelines for a reliable seismic design of precast structures.