Abstract:Embedded channel joint of precast concrete beam is a new type of joint system which can be applied to prefabricated energy dissipation and seismic reduction systems. Static bearing tests of 12 specimens were carried out, which considered the influence of the length of the embedded channel steel, the stirrup spacing, the cavity in the midspan of the beam, and the eccentricity of the channel steel. Two kinds of failure modes were obtained: the lever-out of the channel steel and the crushing of the beam-end concrete. The test results revealed the following: the bearing capacity of the joint increased with the increase of the length of the embedded channel steel; stirrup densification could significantly improve the bearing and deformation capacity; the cavity in the midspan of the beam had little influence on the bearing and deformation capacity of the joint; the eccentricity of the channel steel led to the additional torsion, which lowered the capacity of the joint. FEM models were established, and they were verified by comparing the test results and the FEM results, which has built a solid foundation for further research.
