CYCLIC RESPONSE OF FIBROUS CAST-IN-PLACE CONNECTIONS IN PRECAST BEAM-COLUMN SUBASSEMBLAGES

Four beam-column subassemblages were constructed and tested under cycl ic loading to verify the possibility of obtaining a strong, ductile, a nd energy-dissipating connection between precast elements in seismic a reas. The subassemblages, referred to as the T-specimens, consisted of two precast parts joined together by a cast-in-place (CIP) fiber rein forced concrete (FRC) connection. It was observed that the use of fibe r reinforced concrete in the CIP connection dramatically improved the cyclic behavior of the specimens. Displacement ductilities up to 6.0 w ere observed and higher load levels were attained for the FRC specimen s when compared to the control specimen. The maximum cumulative energy dissipated by one FRC specimen was more than ten times that for the c ontrol specimen