Experimental assessment of stainless-steel wire mesh (SSWM) strengthened wet precast beam-column connections

Abstract

Connections are important elements of precast structures as they introduce discontinuity between the elements affecting strength and stiffness. In the present study, locally available SSWM 40 × 32 is explored as a strengthening material for precast beam column connections. Experiments are conducted on test specimens to evaluate their performance under monotonic vertical loading applied using hydraulic actuator. Various wet precast connections with different location of connections and detailing of beam column reinforcement are considered for this investigation. Two novel SSWM configurations like enclosure of junction with box shape strip and diagonal strips of SSWM are used for strengthening of precast beam column connections. Experimental study is conducted on twelve test specimens to measure their performance in terms of ultimate load capacity, displacement profile, ductility, failure pattern and energy dissipation. SSWM strengthened specimens show 8–43 % improvement in load carrying capacity along with better ductility and energy dissipation. For the precast connections at junction, box shape SSWM strip configuration is recommended while for the connection at the face of column, diagonal strip configuration of SSWM is recommended. Overall, SSWM can be effectively used for strengthening of precast connections.

Keywords

• Precast wet connection
• Beam-column junction
• SSWM
• Strengthening
• Epoxy adhesive