Cyclic Testing of Beam to Column Dowel Connection

Abstract

This study investigates the behaviour and failure mechanisms of beam-to-column dowel connections in precast industrial halls under lateral loads. Two large-scale cyclic tests were performed to evaluate the assembly failure and its relationship with the dowel connection. The results demonstrated that the assembly failure coincided with the dowel connection failure, governed by dowel yielding and concrete spalling of the column fork. No significant damage was observed in the concrete elements outside the connection area. The dissipative failure mechanism of the column was not achieved, indicating that this dowel connection is not capable to transmit sufficient lateral load. The maximum capacity of the dowel connection was influenced by the concrete coverage of the dowel in relation to the side of the column fork. This research serves as a basis for further investigation and potential improvements in the design and performance of connections in precast concrete structures.

Keywords

• structural behaviour
• lateral loads
• failure mechanisms
• precast concrete
• large-scale experiments