A Demountable Connection for Low-Rise Precast Concrete Structures with DfD for Construction Sustainability-A Preliminary Test under Cyclic Loads

• Main Authors: Gaochuang Cai, Feng Xiong, Yong Xu, Amir Si Larbi, Yang Lu, Mikio Yoshizawa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-07-01
• Series: Sustainability
• Subjects: design for deconstruction (DfD); construction sustainability; bolted joints; component reusing; demountable components; cyclic behavior; seismic design
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/13/3696

As a demountable structure, the structure with design for deconstruction (DfD) is considered as a key contribution on the promotion of current construction sustainability by directly reusing valuable components from old structures. As a preliminary study, this paper investigated the cyclic behavior of bolted joints consisting of three reinforced concrete blocks bolted by steel bolts under axial compressive, focusing on the damage and failure modes, resistance mechanism and stiffness development of the joints. Results showed that the number of steel bolts, the tightening process of the bolts and concrete compressive strength all had a significant effect on the overall performance and capacity of the joints. The failure mode of most of tested joints was considered as fracture of stirrups and steel bolts in the tested joints. According to the investigation of this study, several recommendations on the design of the joints were provided.