Examine the Behaviour of Precast

Portal Frame under Lateral Loading

BY
Jitendra Patel
16MCLC15

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
NIRMA UNIVERSITY
AHMEDABAD
DECEMBER 2017
 Examine the Behaviour of Precast
Portal Frame under Lateral Loading

Major Project

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements

for the degree of

Master of Technology
in
Civil Engineering
(Computer Aided Structural Analysis and Design)
By
Jitendra Patel
16MCLC15
Under the guidance of

Prof. Digesh D. Joshi

Dr. Paresh V. Patel

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
NIRMA UNIVERSITY
AHMEDABAD
DECEMBER 2017
 Declaration
This is to certify that

a The major project comprises my original work towards the Degree of Mas-
ter of Technology in Civil Engineering (Computer Aided Structural Analy-
sis And Design) at Nirma University and has not been submitted elsewhere
for a degree.

b Due acknowledgement has been made in text to all other material used.

Jitendra Patel
 Certificate

This is to certify that the Major Project entitled “Examine the Behaviour of Pre-
cast Portal Frame under Lateral Loading” submitted by Mr. Jitendra Patel
(16MCLC15), towards the partial fulfillment of the requirements of Master of Technol-
ogy in Civil Engineering (Computer Aided Structural Analysis and Design ) of Nirma
University is the record of work carried out by him under my supervision and guidance.
The work submitted has in my opinion reached a level required for being accepted for ex-
amination. The results embodied in this major project work to the best of my knowledge
have not been submitted to any other University or Institution for award of any degree
or diploma.

Prof. Digesh Joshi Dr. P.V.Patel

Guide, Co-Guide,
Assistant Professor , Professor and Head,
Civil Engineering Department, Civil Engineering Department,
Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology,
Nirma University, Nirma University,
Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad.

Dr. Alka Mahajan

Director, Examiner
Institute of Technology,
Nirma University,
Ahmedabad. Date of Examination
i

Abstract
Precast concrete is significantly being used as earthquake resisting structures in many
parts of the world. Earlier, due to the lack of understanding of the basic nature of seismic
behaviour, the precast concrete structures were viewed with scepticism in seismic regions.
Significant structural damage to concrete frame buildings and precast structures has been
observed during moderate to large earthquake that have occurred from 1960 to 1999.The
poor behaviour of precast concrete building structures during earthquakes are due to the
improper design and detailing of ductile element, inadequate diaphragm action, poor joint
and connection details, inadequate separation of non-structural elements and inadequate
separation between structures.

It is important to study behaviour of Precast Connection under lateral load since slender
and flexible structures are sensitive to lateral load. The present work mainly deals with
the study to understand the behaviour of Portal frame with different types of connections
between precast elements under lateral load. Experiments will be conducted on three
specimens, one monolithic portal frame, one portal frame and one precast space frame,
under lateral loading.

In this study, Different types of precast connections between beam and columns are con-
sidered to construct precast portal frame. The portal frame is a part of the assembly hall
building having 6 m span of 3.6 m storey height. The spacing between portal frames is
4 m c/c. Based on dimensional analysis 1/3rd scale specimen of portal frame are cast.
Fixity of the column is very important for the testing under lateral loading. For achieving
fixed base condition, R.C pedestal is provided at the base of column.

Load will be applied laterally at the top of frame using hydraulic jack. Experimental
results in terms of horizontal displacement of portal frame at different height of column,
vertical displacement at different location of beam and strain will be measured at differ-
ent interval of loads. For measurement of load, load cell will be attached with hydraulic
jack, and for measurement of displacements LVDT and dial gauges will be used. Strain in
concrete will be measured at critical location of the portal frame using electrical resistant
strain gauge. Data acquisition system is used to collect all digital data for further anal-
 ii

ysis. Behaviour of specimens will be presented through load-displacement, load-strain

relationships and failure pattern.
iii

Acknowledgment

“Gurur Bramhaa Gurur Vishhnu Gurudev Maheshwara

Guru Saakshaat Parambramha Tasmai Shree Gurave Namah”

I wish to express my deepest gratitude to my guide Prof. Digesh D. Joshi, Assistant

Professor , Department of Civil Engineering and co-guide Dr. P. V. Patel, Professor
and Head, Department of Civil Engineering, Institute of Technology, Nirma University,
whose Inspiration and excellent knowledge base helped me to carry out the dissertation
work. His constant support and interest in the subject equipped me with a great under-
standing of different aspects of the project work.

I express my sincere thanks to Dr. Urmil Dave,Professor, Department of Civil En-

gineering and Dr. S. P. Purohit,Professor, Department of Civil Engineering for their
continuous kind words of motivation throughout the dissertation work. I would also like
to thank Dr. Alka Mahajan, Director, Institute of Technology, Nirma University for
providing all kind of required resources during my project work.

I am thankful to Mr. P. N. Raval and Mr. Sunil Regar, Laboratory Assistant,

Concrete Technology laboratory, Nirma University for their assistance during testing.

I am highly indebted to the Almighty, my family members and my friends by whose

blessings, endless love and support, help me to complete my study and encouraged me in
all possible way.

Jitendra Patel
16MCLC15
Contents

Abstract i

Acknowledgment iii

Contents v

List of Figures vii

List of Tables viii

Acronyms 1

1 Introduction 1
1.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Advantages and Limitations of Precast Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.3 Types of Precast Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3.1 Large Panel Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3.2 Frame Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.3.3 Slab Column Systems with Shear wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.4 Seismic Design of Precast Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.4.1 Design Philosophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.4.2 Design Approaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.4.3 The ‘PRESS’ Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.5 Need of Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.6 Objective of Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.7 Scope of Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.8 Organization of Major Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

iv
v CONTENTS

2 Literature review 13
2.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.2 Experimental study of Precast connections under Lateral loading . . . . . 13
2.3 Numerical Simulation of connections using FEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.4 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

3 Analysis and Design of Precast Building 21

3.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3.2 Building Configuration and structural Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3.3 Design of Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.3.1 Analysis and Design of precast Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.3.2 Scaling of Portal frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.3.3 Analysis of Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.3.4 Design of Monolithic specimen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.3.5 PC-1: Wet Connection at middle of Span . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.4 Detailing of Prototype Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.5 Detailing of the Test Specimens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
3.6 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

4 Experimental Programme 35
4.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
4.2 Casting of Monolithic Specimens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
4.2.1 Monolithic Portal Frame (ML) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4.3 Test Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
4.3.1 Fixity of the column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
4.4 Instrumentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
4.5 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

5 Summary and Conclusions 43

5.1 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5.2 Future scope of work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

References 45
List of Figures

1.1 Precast building systems[1] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.2 large Panel systems[1] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.3 Frame systems[1] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.1 Lateral Load Test setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2.2 PsD tests on full scale prototye structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.3 PsD tests on full scale Precast structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.4 The test structure[4] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.5 Structural layouts of the four Prototypes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2.6 Experimental setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2.7 The schematic representation of the isometric view of specimens[5] . . . . . 17
2.8 Precast beam-column connections[8] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.9 Stress-Strain relationship of concrete under tension . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

3.1 Plan and Elevation of the Assembly Hall (Structural layout) . . . . . . . . 22

3.2 BMD, SFD and AFD of Prototype portal frame and 1/3rd Scaled portal
frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
3.3 Detailing of Beam and Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.4 Wet Connection Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.5 Detailing of prototype monolithic specimen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.6 Detailing of prototype PC-1 : Wet Connection at middle of span . . . . . . 29
3.7 Detailing of monolithic specimen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.8 Detailing of PC-1 : Wet Connection at Middle of span . . . . . . . . . . . 32

4.1 Wooden formwork for monolithic and precast specimen . . . . . . . . . . . 36

4.2 Reinforcement cage for monolithic portal frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

vi
vii LIST OF FIGURES

4.3 Monolithic Specimen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

4.4 Junctions of monolithc portal frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
4.5 Casted Monolithic Specimen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
4.6 Base assembly of test setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
4.7 General arrangement of lateral load test set up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
4.8 Instrumentation for measurement of displacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
4.9 Instrumentation for measurement of strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
List of Tables

3.1 Structural Data for Prototype and Scaled Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

3.2 Analysis Results at Beam-Column Junction for 1/3rd scaled Frame . . . . . 26
3.3 Beam Reinforcement Detailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
3.4 Column Size and Reinforcement Detailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

4.1 Concrete Mix Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

4.2 Various instruments used during experimental study . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

viii
Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1 General
In Precast construction most of the components of the structure are manufactured at
plants in controlled environment away from the site and then after transported to the
site. At site such components are assembled properly. These components are manufac-
tured in larger number. This leads to rapid construction, better quality, reduced formwork
and scaffolding, better surface finishing, reduced cost, etc.
In this way all such advantages leads to economic and quality construction on large scale
with rapid construction growth. Due to such advantages the precast concrete construction
is worldwide including India.
In precast concrete construction, connections are the most critical part of the structure,
because in majority of precast buildings were damaged due to connection failure.

1.2 Advantages and Limitations of Precast Construc-

tion
Advantages of Precast Construction The advantages of precast construction are mentioned
below:

• Rapid construction

• Better durability.

1
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 2

• Cost efficient.

• Reduction in scaffolding and formwork

• With prestressing, components have greater span to depth ratios, enhanced perfor-
mance, etc.

• Material saving

• Better quality control

• Repetition of standard elements will lead to cost reduction.

Limitations of Precast Construction

• Connections between Precast components are Critical.

• Lifting equipments are required for erection of components.

• Joints between panels are complicated as well as expensive.

1.3 Types of Precast Systems

Figure 1.1 shows the Precast building systems. Depending on the load-bearing structure,
precast systems can be divided into the following categories:
a. Large-panel systems
b. Frame systems
c. Slab-column systems with walls
d. Mixed systems

1.3.1 Large Panel Systems

The designation “large-panel system” refers to multistory structures composed of large

wall and oor concrete panels connected in the vertical and horizontal directions so that
the wall panels enclose appropriate spaces for the rooms within a buildings as shown in
Figure 1.2. These panels form a box structure. Both horizontal and vertical panels resist
gravity load.Wall panels are usually single story high. Horizontal oors and roof panels
span either as two-way or one-way slabs. When properly joined together, these horizontal
3 CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

Figure 1.1: Precast building systems[1]

elements act as diaphragms that transfer the lateral loads to the walls.[1]

Depending on wall layout, there are three basic congurations of Large-panel buildings.
a. Cross-wall systems
b. Longitudinal wall systems
c. Two-way systems
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 4

Figure 1.2: large Panel systems[1]

5 CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

1.3.2 Frame Systems

Precast frames can be constructed using either linear elements or spatial beam column
sub-assemblages. Precast beam-column sub- assemblages have the advantage that the
connecting faces between the sub-assemblages can be placed away from the critical frame
regions; however, linear elements are generally preferred because of the difficulties asso-
ciated with forming, handling, and erecting spatial elements.The use of linear elements
generally means placing the connecting faces at the beam-column junctions. The beams
can be seated on corbels at the columns, for ease of construction and to aid the shear
transfer from the beam to the column.The beam-column joints accomplished in this way
are hinged. However, rigid beam-column connections are used in some cases, when the
continuity of longitudinal reinforcement through the beam- column joint needs to be en-
sured. The components of a precast reinforced concrete frame are shown in Figure 1.3.[1]

Figure 1.3: Frame systems[1]

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 6

1.3.3 Slab Column Systems with Shear wall

These systems rely on shear walls to sustain lateral load effects, whereas the slab-column
structure resists mainly gravity loads. There are two main systems in this category:

• Lift-slab system with walls

• Prestressed slab-column system

In the Lift –slab system, the load-bearing structure consists of precast reinforced concrete
columns and slabs,. Precast columns are usually two stories high. All precast structural
elements are assembled by means of special joints. Reinforced concrete slabs are poured
on the ground in forms, one on top of the other. Precast concrete floor slabs are lifted
from the ground up to the final height by lifting cranes. The slab panels are lifted to the
top of the column and then moved downwards to the final position. Temporary supports
are used to keep the slabs in the position until the connection with the columns has been
achieved.
The prestressed slab-column system uses horizontal prestressing in two orthogonal direc-
tions to achieve continuity. The precast concrete column elements are 1 to 3 stories high.
The reinforced concrete floor slabs fit the clear span between columns. After erecting the
slabs and columns of a story, the columns and floor slabs are prestressed by means of
prestressing tendons that pass through ducts in the columns at the floor level and along
the gaps left between adjacent slabs. After prestressing, the gaps between the slabs are
filled with in situ concrete and the tendons then become bonded with the spans. Seismic
loads are resisted mainly by the shear walls (precast or cast-in-place) positioned between
the columns at appropriate locations.[1]

1.4 Seismic Design of Precast Structures

Precast concrete is significantly being used in earthquake resisting structures in many
parts of the world. Earlier, due to the lack of understanding of the basic nature of seismic
behaviour, the precast concrete structures were viewed with scepticism in seismic regions.
Significant structural damage to concrete frame buildings and precast structures has been
observed in moderate to large earthquake that have occurred from 1960 to 1999.
7 CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

The concept of precast construction includes those buildings, where the majority of struc-
tural components are standardized and produced in plants in a location away from the
building, and then transported to the site for assembly. The connections between pre-
cast elements will affect the load distribution, strength, stability and constructability
of the global structure. Understanding the behaviour of the connection is important
and can only be assessed by conducting experimental tests. The poor behaviour of pre-
cast concrete building structures during earthquakes are due to the improper design and
detailing of ductile element, inadequate diaphragm action, poor joint and connection de-
tails, inadequate separation of non-structural elements and inadequate separation between
structures.[2]

Damage to precast school building at Gujarat in 2001 Bhuj earthquake is example of

failure due to the poor connections between structural elements. It is reported that the
roof planks resting on beam shifted due to inadequate bearing area and lack of positive
anchorage. A monolithic behaviour of frames, and diaphragms action of floor could not
be achieved due to poor connections. There are several limitations that restrict the use of
precast concrete in seismic regions. The primary limitation stems from poor performance
of precast concrete frame buildings in the past seismic events. The poor performance of
building was largely attributed to the use of substandard materials, poor construction
practices, and insufficient design of connections.[2]

1.4.1 Design Philosophy

In seismic regions the design of precast structures is complicated by the need to account
for dynamic loading. Most philosophies of seismic design demand that the structure must
possess toughness and ductility because economics prohibit designing a structure to re-
main elastic even for moderate earthquake motions. Ductility is essential for providing
some protection against the effects of an unexpectedly large earthquake. Under severe
earthquake philosophies of seismic design demand, to prevent collapse of structure and
even allow irreparable damage.[2]

Indian standard (IS 1893: 2002, Part 1) characterise earthquake based on magnitude and
intensity, provides seismic zone map having four zones and design of structures based
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 8

on response spectrum. Response spectrum given in IS 1893: 2002 accounts the effect of
damping, soil type and inelastic behaviour. Calculating of design seismic base shear and
distribution of base shear to different floor levels based on IS 1893: 2002 (Part 1).
Dry connections in a precast structure usually constitute discontinuities of strength and
stiffness which can be expected to attract deformations and damage during an earthquake.
This concentration increases the local ductility demand unless the connection details are
carefully designed, their ductility capacity is likely to be inadequate.[2]

1.4.2 Design Approaches

The required performance criteria for structures incorporating precast reinforced concrete
elements adopted in seismic design are generally similar to those for cast-in-place con-
struction. Currently for seismic design at the ultimate limit state force-based design is
used along with the capacity design approach.
Lateral load resisting systems can be designed for nominally elastic, limited ductility or
ductile response. The magnitude of the design lateral forces decreases, whilst the com-
plexity in the detailing of the reinforcement in the critical regions increases, as the design
approach goes from nominally elastic to a fully ductile response. For structures, incorpo-
rating precast concrete elements emulating ductile cast-in-place construction the detailing
rules are as for monolithic structures. The post-elastic mechanism of deformation should
involve flexure yielding at plastic hinges. A capacity design procedure should be used to
ensure that the mechanism can be maintained during earthquake.[2]

1.4.3 The ‘PRESS’ Program

In response to the recognized need to overcome the limitations for the use of precast
concrete in seismic regions, the PRESS (PREcast Seismic Structural System) program
was initiated in the early 1990’s in the United States. Through this program, researchers
envisioned to fulfil two primary objectives:

1) To develop comprehensive and rational design recommendations based on funda-

mental and basic research data which will emphasize the viability of precast construction
in various seismic zones.
9 CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

2) To develop new materials, concepts and technologies for precast construction

suitable for seismic application.

In this programme un-bonded post tensioning cables within a precast wall, beam and
column structure, which along with specially designed ductile joints were used. It helped
for a controlled rocking mechanism that returns the building to upright without significant
structural damage, even after a major seismic event.[2]

1.5 Need of Study

It can be observed that many precast concrete structure have failed in the past earth-
quakes.Failure of the structure in these earthquake was mainly due to failure of connections
between precast elements.The connection between precast elements affects load distribu-
tion, strength, stability, aesthetic, ductility, economy.Ductility is essential for providing
some protection against the effect of an unexpected large earthquake.Hence, understand-
ing the behaviour of the connection is important and can be assessed by conducting
experiments.

1.6 Objective of Study

The main aim of present study is to study the behaviour of various portal frames under
lateral loading. Following are the objectives of present study:

• To study the behaviour of various precast portal frames and beam-column connec-
tions of portal frames under lateral loading by conducting experiments as well as
performing FE analysis.

• To study and compare the behaviour of Precast Portal Frame and Monolithic Portal
Frame under Lateral Loading.

• To compare the analytical results using FE based software with Experimental re-
sults.
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 10

1.7 Scope of Work

In order to fulfil above outlined objectives, following scope of work is defined:

• Design of a monolithic and precast portal frame by considering different precast

connections.

• Preparation of scaled monolithic and precast portal frames.

• Development of experimental setup for lateral loading on Portal frame.

• Investigate the behaviour of portal frame under later loading by conducting exper-
iments.

• Perform FE analysis of various portal frames using ABAQUS software.

• Comparison of analytical results with available experimental results.

1.8 Organization of Major Project

The content of major project is divided into dierent chapter as follows:

Chapter-1 gives the overview of the major project. It covers general information about
Precast construction and effect of lateral load on precast connection. Dierent types of Pre-
cast connections is also discussed. It also includes objectives of study and scope of major
project work.

Chapter-2 presents the literature review related to design of precast connections and
experimental study of precast connections under lateral loading. Review literature related
to numerical simulation of connections using FEM is also presented.

Chapter-3 presents Analysis and design of precast building. In this chapter design of
all the precast connection is also discussed. Detailing of prototype frame and scaled test
specimen is presented in this chapter.
11 CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

Chapter-4 presents the experimental work. It includes preparation of monolithic. Lat-

eral load test setup for testing is also presented in this chapter.

Chapter-5 summarized work carried out in this Major project work.Also future scope
of work is presented in this chapter.
Chapter 2

Literature review

2.1 General

To achieve the objectives mentioned in previous chapter various research papers have
been referred. Literature related to Precast structures, various kind of connections and
their contribution to ductility and strength on structure subjected to lateral loading is
mentioned. Literature study related to Precast connections under lateral loading includes
various type of test setup, structural behaviour and experimental studies are presented.

2.2 Experimental study of Precast connections under

Lateral loading

Kothari H.[2] studied behaviour of precast portal frames with different types of connec-
tions detailing at beam column junction under lateral loading.For comparison of behaviour
of precast and monolithic portal frame, parameters such as load-deflection, load-strain and
failure pattern of specimen were considered.The load is applied through hydraulic jack of
capacity 250 kN at the top of portal frame at beam column junction.Response of portal
frames under lateral loading are measured in terms of horizontal displacement of portal
frame at different height of column and also by using LVDTs and dial gauges.

13
CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW 14

(a) Test Setup (b) Actual Test Setup

Figure 2.1: Lateral Load Test setup

Author concluded that Portal frame with seated connection behave similar to monolithic
portal frame and Portal frame with corbel connection between precast elements shows
less lateral load carrying capacity but it was capable to resist lager deflection compared
to monolithic frame.
Toniolo et al. [3] investigated four types of connections : floor-floor, floor-beam,
beam–column and column–foundation.Two full scale prototypes of one storey structures
with the same base shear resistance have been submitted to the same accelerogram as
shown in fig. 2.2

(a) Precast Structure (b) Monolithic Structure

Figure 2.2: PsD tests on full scale prototye structures

Author also investigated the role of cladding panel with the effectiveness of diaphragm
15 CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW

action by conducting experiments on full scale prototype structure.

(a) with cladding pannels (b) Turned roof arrangement

Figure 2.3: PsD tests on full scale Precast structures

Negro et al.[4] investigated effectiveness of four different structural precast systems

by conducting experiments on a full scale three storey precast residential building .The
structure was 15 16.25 m in plan and had a height of 10.9 m. The The column had cross
section of 0.5 0.5 m and were embedded by 0.75 m into pocket foundation of 1 m deep
and 1.3 1.3 m in plan.

Figure 2.4: The test structure[4]

Author studied behaviour of four different types of Precast systems as shown in fig 2.5

The lateral displacements were applied equal on the mid axis of the two bays by two
hydraulic actuators with capacity of 1000 kN at the 2nd and 3rd floor levels, while at the
CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW 16

(a) Prototype 1 (b) Prototype 2

(c) Prototype 3 (d) Prototype 4

Figure 2.5: Structural layouts of the four Prototypes

1st floor level four actuators with capacity of 500 kN were used.

Figure 2.6: Experimental setup

17 CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW

Vidjeapriya and Jaya [5] conducted experimental investigations on Six test specimens
of 1/3rd scale model of an exterior beam-column joint of a three storey reinforced concrete
building to identify a simple and suitable dry precast beam-column connection for an ex-
terior beam-column joint. The precast specimen and monolithic specimen were designed
for the same strength. For the first precast connection, the beam was connected to the col-
umn with corbel using a dowel bar and for the second precast connection, a dowel bar and
cleat angle were used. Figure 2.7 shows the schematic isometric view of precast specimens.

(b) Precast connection using dowel bar and cleat

(a) Precast connection using dowel bar
angle

Figure 2.7: The schematic representation of the isometric view of specimens[5]

Experimental parameters under investigation were: the transverse reinforcement ratio,

the axial load, the ber type and content as well as the effect of steel-to-concrete bond
of rebars in the critical region. The latter was investigated since it could considerably
govern the local ductility in terms of curvature and of global displacement of the precast
column, especially in presence of brous reinforcement. Experimental results highlight the
importance of the stirrup spacing in the critical region as well as the positive effect of
bers on the crack development, by preventing the concrete cover to spall-out at earlier
stages. Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) tends to enhance the structural stiffness,
the strength and the dissipated energy.

Nimse et al.[6] studied behaviour of four different reduced 1/3rd scaled precast specimens
having wet and dry connections under column removal scenario and their performance
was compared with monolithic connection. For construction of wet and dry precast con-
CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW 18

(a) Precast dry connection with corbel (b) Precast dry connection without corbel

(c) Precast Wet connection with corbel (d) Precast Wet connection without corbel

Figure 2.8: Precast beam-column connections[8]

nections, RC corbel and steel billet were used by adopting similar connection detailing.

For precast dry connection, column with RC corbel and beam were cast separately by
keeping two holes in both beam and column to pass the bolts used for connection as shown
in Figure 2.6(a). In another precast dry connection, a hollow rectangular steel section
was used as steel billet in place RC corbel as shown in Figure 2.6(b).

Precast beam was cast with normal cast in place concrete for only 90mm portion from
bottom face for precast wet connection. The remaining part of beam with 45 mm from
top face was kept open as shown in Figure 2.6(c). For another precast wet connection,
RC corbel was replaced with hollow rectangular steel billet by keeping all other details
were as it is as shown in Figure 2.6(d). The results showed that load carrying capacity
of wet precast connections was higher than that of and monolithic connection and dry
precast connections.
19 CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.3 Numerical Simulation of connections using FEM

Saenz[7] discussed the stress-strain relationship of concrete under uniaxial compression

with various experiments on different types of element this stress-strain relationship equa-
tion was derived. The stress strain value derived from this equation can be enter as
non-linear properties of concrete in Damage Plasticity Model in ABAQUS.

Ec c
σc = (2.1)
1 + (R + RE − 2)( 0c )
− (2R − 1)( 0c )2 + R( 0c )2

where,

RE (Rσ − 1) 1
R= 2
−
(RE − 1) R

Ec f0
RE = , E0 = c
E0 0

where 0 = 0.002, R = 4, Rσ = 4.

Massicotte et al.[8]presented the tensile behaviour of plain as well as reinforced concrete

structures. Effect of tensile stress was considered in analysis because of load-deflection
characteristics of a structure were required. To determine stress-strain relationship of
concrete under tension, two parameters were calculated one was fracture energy and
the other was average crack strain. Modulus of elasticity was calculated using American
Concrete Institute (ACI) 363 and tensile strength was calculated using Raphael’s equation.
Perfect bond was assumed between concrete and reinforcement. Stress strain relationship
for concrete under tension presented by author was verified for different types of structural
elements subjected to various loading conditions. Stress strain plot was carried out as
shown in Fig.2.9.
CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW 20

Figure 2.9: Stress-Strain relationship of concrete under tension

Wahalathantri et al.[9] presented three material models for numerical simulation of

reinforced concrete elements: 1) Smeared crack concrete model, 2) Brittle crack concrete
model, and 3) Concrete damaged plasticity model. Out of these, Concrete damaged plas-
ticity model is preferred by author in this study to represent complete inelastic behaviour
of concrete in both numerical model: 1) Numerical Model for Tensile Behaviour of Con-
crete, 2) Numerical Model for Stress-Strain Curve in Compression. Author assumed two
main failure mechanism for modelling: 1) tensile cracking and 2) compression crushing.
Both numerical models are developed base on equations and further they are modified to
make them applicable with ABAQUS damaged plasticity model. After numerical simula-
tion using this model, obtained results are validated with experimental results available
in literature. Further, author also checked proposed model for RC element subjected to
tensile cracking and flexural loading.

2.4 Summary
In this chapter, research related to experimental study of Precast connections under lateral
loading and numerical Simulation of RCC elements using ABAQUS are presented.
Chapter 3

Analysis and Design of Precast

Building

3.1 General
Analysis of full scale Assembly hall building is done using Staad.Pro software [10] by fol-
lowing all design guidelines and codal provisions. Same building is analysed and designed
as 1/3rd scale model for conducting experimental work.

3.2 Building Configuration and structural Data

The Assembly Hall building as shown in Figure 3.1 is analysed and designed by considering
the following loading parameter:

• Characteristic Strength of Concrete = 25 N/mm2

• Characteristic Strength of Steel = 500 N/mm2

• Location of Building = Ahmedabad

• Height of storey = 3.6 m

• Wall thickness = 230 mm

• Dead Load = Self weight of structural element

• Live Load on floor = 5 kN/m2

21
CHAPTER 3. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF PRECAST BUILDING 22

• Live Load on roof = 1.5 kN/m2

• Floor Finish = 1 kN/m2

• Seismic Zone = III

• Importance Factor = 1

• Response Reduction factor for OMRF = 3

• Soil Type = Medium

• Damping (ζ) = 5%

Figure 3.1: Plan and Elevation of the Assembly Hall (Structural layout)

The typical storey height of assembly hall building is 3.6 m. Portal frame of Beam B10
and Column C2,C7 are assumed as prototype portal frame as shown in Figure 3.1. Design
23 CHAPTER 3. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF PRECAST BUILDING

and detailing of the Assembly Hall building are carried out as per the codal provisions of
IS: 456(2000)[11], IS:13920(1993)[12].

3.3 Design of Building

3.3.1 Analysis and Design of precast Frame

The design load combinations are the various combinations of the load cases for which
the structure needs to be analysed and designed. The load combinations are considered
according to IS:456(2000)[11], with the structure subjected to Dead Load (DL), Live Load
(LL), Earthquake Load (EQ) and considering that earthquake forces are reversible, fol-
lowing load combinations are considered.

• 1.5 (DL+LL)

• 1.5 (DL+EQ)

• 1.5 (DL-EQ)

• 1.2 (DL+LL+EQ)

• 1.2 (DL+LL-EQ)

• 0.9 DL + 1.5 EQ

• 0.9 DL - 1.5 EQ

3.3.2 Scaling of Portal frame

In experiment it is difficult to conduct study on full scale specimen of prototype due to

limitations. So that for experiment 1/3rd scaled model is considered. All basic quantities
like cross section dimension of element, length of beam and column, floor height reduced
by considering above scale factor[13]. Structural data considered for a prototype and
scaled structure is shown in Table 3.1.
CHAPTER 3. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF PRECAST BUILDING 24

Table 3.1: Structural Data for Prototype and Scaled Model

Sr No. Description Prototype 1/3rd Scale

1 c/s size of Beam (mm) 300 × 450 100 × 150
2 c/s size of Column(mm) 300 × 450 100 × 150
3 Length of Beam (mm) 6000 2000
4 Height of Column (mm) 3600 1200
5 Slab Thickness (mm) 150 150
6 Dead Load (kN/m2 ) 3.75 3.75
7 Live Load(Floor) (kN/m2 ) 5 5
8 Live Load(Floor) (kN/m2 ) 1.5 1.5
9 Floor Finish (kN/m2 ) 1 1

3.3.3 Analysis of Building

The Assembly Hall building is analyzed in Staad.Pro software including the scaled model.The
results obtained from analysis of the specimen are shown in Figure 3.6 for Prototype portal
frame and 1/3rd Scaled portal frame.
25 CHAPTER 3. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF PRECAST BUILDING

Figure 3.2: BMD, SFD and AFD of Prototype portal frame and 1/3rd Scaled portal frame

The internal forces acting at connection region for governing load case: 1.2(DL+LL+EQ)
are shown in Table 3.2.
CHAPTER 3. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF PRECAST BUILDING 26

Table 3.2: Analysis Results at Beam-Column Junction for 1/3rd scaled Frame

Type of Force Analysis Results

Shear Force 11.8 kN
Axial Force 3 kN
Bending Moment 4.9 kN-m

3.3.4 Design of Monolithic specimen

Beam Design
Span = 2000 mm
Clear cover = 20 mm
Width of beam = 100 mm
Depth of beam = 150 mm

Figure 3.3: Detailing of Beam and Column

Column Design
Column Height = 1200 mm
Clear cover = 20 mm
Width of column = 150 mm
Depth of column = 100 mm

Required Longitudinal reinforcement = 195 mm2

27 CHAPTER 3. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF PRECAST BUILDING

Provide 4 Nos. 8 mm diameter bars.

Provided Longitudinal Reinforcement = 201 mm2

3.3.5 PC-1: Wet Connection at middle of Span

Figure 3.4: Wet Connection Connection

φ×σ
Ld = (3.1)
4 × τbd

Ld = Development length of bar

φ = Nominal diameter of the bar.
σ = 435 N/mm2
τbd = bond stress given in IS 456:2000.

Ld = 390 mm for reinforcement of 8 mm diameter.

3.4 Detailing of Prototype Frame

Design and Detailing for the monolithic connection is carried out for original structure
considering the internal forces acting on the connection. Detailing of the prototype mono-
lithic specimen and precast specimen are shown in Figure 3.5 and Figure 3.6. Detailing
was followed as per IS 13920:1993[12] and IS 456:2000[11] .
CHAPTER 3. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF PRECAST BUILDING 28

Figure 3.5: Detailing of prototype monolithic specimen

29 CHAPTER 3. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF PRECAST BUILDING

Figure 3.6: Detailing of prototype PC-1 : Wet Connection at middle of span

CHAPTER 3. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF PRECAST BUILDING 30

3.5 Detailing of the Test Specimens

Testing of full scale is not feasible in the laboratory because of restricted space available
for it, so scaled down specimen was casted for experimental point of view. Design and
Detailing of the test specimens are shown in Figure 3.7 and 3.8.Percentage reinforcement
of beam for prototype as well as scaled specimen are same so as the governing load case
Beam and Column reinforcement detail for prototype and test specimen are shown in
Table 3.3 and Table 3.4 respectively.

Table 3.3: Beam Reinforcement Detailing

Beam Span Beam size (mm) Percentage Steel

Specimen
(mm) Width Depth Top Bottom
0.72% 0.72%
Prototype 6000 300 450
3-20 mm 3-20mm
1/3rd Scaled 0.67% 0.67%
2000 100 150
Model 2-8mm 2-8mm

Table 3.4: Column Size and Reinforcement Detailing

Height Width Depth

Specimen Percentage Steel
(mm) (mm) (mm)
1.39%
Prototype 3600 300 450
6-20mm
1/3rd Scaled
1200 100 150 1.34% (4-8mm )
Model
31 CHAPTER 3. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF PRECAST BUILDING

Figure 3.7: Detailing of monolithic specimen

CHAPTER 3. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF PRECAST BUILDING 32

Figure 3.8: Detailing of PC-1 : Wet Connection at Middle of span

33 CHAPTER 3. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF PRECAST BUILDING

3.6 Summary
This chapter includes building configuration, design specification and detailed drawings
of reinforcement for full scaled building and reduced 1/3rd scaled building.
Chapter 4

Experimental Programme

4.1 General

The main aim of present study is to evaluate the performance of the Portal frame with
different types of Precast connections subjected to lateral loading and to compare their
performance with monolithic portal frame. For experimental study, monolithic portal
frame is casted.

For achieving above objectives, two 1/3rd scaled specimen of portal frame ,one monolithic
specimen and one precast specimen will be prepared. Test Specimen contains one 2 m
span beam and two columns of 1.2 m height. For experimental study, monotonic load at
the beam-column junction is applied upto the failure of the test specimen.
In this chapter, Casting of Monolithic portal frame, Test setup, instrumentation, testing
procedure are discussed.

4.2 Casting of Monolithic Specimens

M25 grade of concrete and Fe500 grade of steel are used for casting of all the specimens.
Sand of Zone II and OPC 53 grade cement is used. Mix design of concrete is carried
out according to IS: 10262 [14]. Concrete mix proportion of various ingredients used for
casting of test specimens is shown in Table 4.1.During casting of specimen, three cubes of
150mm × 150mm × 150mm are prepared to measure the compressive strength of concrete
from each batch.

35
CHAPTER 4. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME 36

Table 4.1: Concrete Mix Design

Coarse Aggregate
Grade of Water Cement Fine Aggregate Plasticizer
(kg / m3 )
Concrete (litre / m3 ) (kg / m3 ) (kg / m3 ) (litre / m3 )
10 mm 20 mm
M 25 158 359 833 438 692 3.23
Mix Proportion 0.44 1 0.43 1.22 1.93 -

For Casting specimen formwork of 18 mm thickness is used made from plywood. Figure
4.1 shows form work for Portal frame.

Figure 4.1: Wooden formwork for monolithic and precast specimen

4.2.1 Monolithic Portal Frame (ML)

Reinforcement cage is prepared as per detailing discussed in chapter-3.For fixing the frame
with base assembly concrete pedestal of 650mm × 150mm is casted at base of column.

Reinforcement cage for monolithic portal frame is shown in fig. 4.2.

37 CHAPTER 4. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME

Figure 4.2: Reinforcement cage for monolithic portal frame

Figure 4.3: Monolithic Specimen

CHAPTER 4. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME 38

(a) Column Pedestal (b) Beam Column Junction

Figure 4.4: Junctions of monolithc portal frame

Figure 4.5: Casted Monolithic Specimen

4.3 Test Setup

In experimental study, portal frames are subjected to lateral loading at the beam-column
junction. A new test setup for lateral load testing of portal frame is discussed in following
subsections.
39 CHAPTER 4. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME

4.3.1 Fixity of the column

In experimental work with lateral loading, fixity of the column is most important factor
during testing. For the fixity of the column, reinforced concrete pedestal size of 650
mm × 150 mm is casted at the bottom of column. This pedestal is attached to the base
assembly by providing steel plate on it and bolting the steel plates with the base assembly.
This base assembly is attached with rigid concrete pedestal by dowel(anchor) bars which
having 25mm diameter, 500mm embedded length in concrete. The dowel(anchor) bars
are projected by 100mm length outside the concrete pedestal for connection of the base
assembly with concrete pedestal. 3-D view of base assembly attached with rigid concrete
pedestal is as shown in Figure 4.6.

Figure 4.6: Base assembly of test setup

CHAPTER 4. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME 40

Figure 4.7: General arrangement of lateral load test set up

4.4 Instrumentation
At every increment of load, Horizontal displacements and strains at various points are
measured. Various instruments used during experimental study are shown in Table 4.2.
41 CHAPTER 4. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME

Table 4.2: Various instruments used during experimental study

Sr.
Instrument Purpose Specification
No.
Application of lateral load at Capacity of jack
1 Hydraulic jack
the beam-column junction is 250kN
To measure the transferred load Capacity of load-cell
2 Load cell
to the specimen digitally is 100kN
Linear Variable To measure the horizontal LVDT for measuring
3 Differential displacement at the various maximum displacement
Transducer (LVDT) location of specimen digitally upto 200mm
Dial gauge and To measure the horizontal
Dial gauge of 50 mm
4 stand with displacement at the various
maximum displacement
magnetic base location of specimen manually
5mm length (120 ohm) for
To measure the strain in
Electrical resistant strain in reinforcement bar,
5 reinforcement bar and
strain gauge 90mm length (120 ohm) for
concrete surface
strain in concrete
To acquire digital data from 16 channel analyzer for
Data acquisition
6 LVDT, Load-cell mearsuring all
system
and Strain gauge. quantities digitally

The schematic diagram of instrumentation for measurement of displacement is shown in

Figure 4.8. For measurement of horizontal displacement at nearer column,where horizon-
tal load using hydraulic jack is applied, two LVDTs and one Dial gauge are used. For
Horizontal displacement measurement at far end column, two LVDTs and one Dial gauge
are used.

The schematic diagram of instrumentation for measurement of Strain is shown in Figure

??. Electrical strain gauges are placed at critical location of Frame like Beam-column
junction and bottom of column. 90mm gauge length Electrical Strain gauges on concrete
surface are placed to measure compressive strain and tensile strain on concrete surface.
CHAPTER 4. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME 42

Figure 4.8: Instrumentation for measurement of displacement

Figure 4.9: Instrumentation for measurement of strain

4.5 Summary
In this chapter, details about preparation of Monolithic portal frame is discussed.Experimental
test setup, instrumentation for experimental work is presented in this chapter.
Chapter 5

Summary and Conclusions

5.1 Summary

The concept of precast construction includes buildings, where majority of structural com-
ponents are standardized and produced in controlled environment in a location away from
the building, and then transported to the site for assembly. These components are man-
ufactured by industrial methods based on mass production in order to construct a large
number of buildings in a short time at low cost. At site such individual components are
connected by various means. This leads to major advantages like; reduced formwork and
scaffolding, speedy construction, less requirement of skill labor and better quality control
as compared to normal cast-in-situ reinforced concrete construction. For any precast con-
struction, connections between different components are critical, because in past major
failure occurred due to failures of connection. Therefore it is important to study the
behaviour of different types of connection between various elements.

In this major project, monolithic and precasr portal frames are considered for the study.
The portal frame is extracted from the assembly hall building having 6 m span of beam
and total column height of 7.2 m.Detailing of both monolithic and precast portal frame
is explained.Fixity of the column is very important for the testing under lateral loading.
So that pedestal is provided at thr base of the column.and it is connected by using 16mm
bolts with the base assembly which gives the fixity to the columns.

43
CHAPTER 5. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 44

5.2 Future scope of work

The present study can be further extended to

• Study the behavior of precast space frame under lateral loading on shock table.

• Finite element based numerical simulation of precast portal frame and space frame
with different types of connection and its comparison with experimental results.
Bibliography

[1] PRECAST CONCRETE STRUCTURES. Structural Engineering Geospatial Con-

sultants.

[2] Harshit Kothari, “Study of Behaviour of Precast Portal Frame under Lateral Load-
ing”, M.Tech Major Project Report, Institute of Technology, Nirma University,2017

[3] G. Toniolo, “European research on seismic behaviour of the connections of precast

structures“, SAFECAST Project Report,2012.

[4] Paolo Negro,Dionysios A. Bournas, Francisco J. Pseudodynamic tests on a full-scale

3-storey precast concrete building:Global response,Engineering Structures,57,pp.
594-608.

[5] Vidjeapriya R, Vasanthalakshmi V, Jaya KP (2014) Performance of exterior precast

concrete beam-column dowel connections under cyclic loading. International Journal
of Civil Engineering, 12(1), pp. 82-94

[6] Nimse RB, Joshi DD, Patel PV (2015) Experimental Study on Precast Beam Col-
umn Connections Constructed Using RC Corbel and Steel Billet under Progressive
Collapse Scenario. Structures Congress, ASCE, pp. 1101-1117

[7] Saenz, “Equation for the stress-strain curve of concrete“. ACI Journal, Vol.61 (1964)
1229-1235.

[8] Massicotte B., Elwi A. and MacGregor J., Tension-stiffening model for planar re-
inforced concrete members, Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol.116 (1990) 3039-
3058.

[9] Wahalathantri B.L., Thambiratnam D.P., Chan T.H.T., Fawzia S., A material model
for flexural crack simulation in reinforced concrete elements using ABAQUS, In Pro-

45
BIBLIOGRAPHY 46

ceedings of the First International Conference on Engineering, Designing and Devel-

oping the Built Environment for Sustainable Wellbeing, Queensland University of
Technology (2011) 260-264

[10] Staad.Pro Software manual, Version V8i

[11] IS:456(2000),“Plain and Reinforced Concrete-Code of Practice”,Bureau of Indian

Standards,2000.

[12] IS:13920(1993),“Ductile Detailing of Reinforced Concrete Structures Subjected to

Seismic Forces-Code of Practice”, Bureau of Indian Standard,1993.

[13] Harry GH and Gajanan S. Structural modeling and experimental techniques, CRC
Press, 1999.

[14] IS: 10262(2009), Concrete Mix Proportioning Guidelines, Bureau of Indian Standard,
2009