applied

sciences
Article
Studies on Seismic Performance of Precast Concrete
Columns with Grouted Splice Sleeve
Zheng Lu, Zixin Wang, Jianbao Li * and Biao Huang
Research Institute of Structural Engineering and Disaster Reduction, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China;
[email protected] (Z.L.); [email protected] (Z.W.); [email protected] (B.H.)
* Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +86-21-6598-6186; Fax: +86-21-6598-2668

Academic Editor: Jorge de Brito

Received: 29 March 2017; Accepted: 29 May 2017; Published: 2 June 2017

Abstract: In order to validate the seismic performance of precast concrete members with steel sleeve
connections, pseudo-static tests on four prefabricated columns with vertical grouted splice sleeve
connections and on a control group of two cast-in-situ columns have been conducted. The test results
indicated that the failure modes of the prefabricated columns and of the cast-in-situ columns are
basically identical but differences exist in their crack distribution. The cast-in-situ columns mainly
crack horizontally at the bottom of the column, whereas the prefabricated columns have horizontal
cracks above the sleeves, and then form diagonal cracks downwards and develop many wider cracks
within the range of height of 300 mm at the bottom of the column. The hysteresis curves of the
prefabricated columns are plump, which demonstrates that prefabricated columns have satisfactory
energy-dissipating capacity. Moreover, the stiffness degradation of the prefabricated specimens is
slower than that of the cast-in-situ specimens. The ultimate displacement angle of the prefabricated
columns is up to 1/104–1/54, which satisfies the requirements of the inter-story drift ratio during
major earthquakes. Finally, some recommendations on practical seismic design pertinent to the
precast concrete members with grouted splice sleeves are proposed.

Keywords: construction industrialization; zero-carbon building; precast concrete column; grouted

splice sleeve; pseudo-static test; low cyclic repeated loading test

1. Introduction
Precast concrete construction, as a sustainable technology, not only has the advantages of
accelerated construction speed, stable and reliable quality, environmental protection, and savings in
material, energy, and labor, but also can shorten the development and construction period of residential
and non-residential buildings, which is adapted to large-scale and standardized productions [1–3].
Incorporated with advanced structural control strategies [4–11], precast concrete structures can
perform very well under extreme loads [12–15]. As the predominant structural type of construction
industrialization in China, precast concrete structures take up 77.1% of the total floor area built by
construction industrialization [16].
It is widely believed that climate change and global warming are closely associated with carbon
emissions, and there is a growing concern about the upward trend in greenhouse gas emissions
resulting from building construction [17]. It has been verified that buildings worldwide account
for one-third of the global carbon emissions [18], and the residential sector accounts for 17% [19].
To alleviate this situation, it is highly recommended to adopt precast concrete construction. It has
been found that the cast-in-situ concrete construction can release 770 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent
per cubic meter of concrete, whereas that is 692 kg for precast concrete construction, 10% lower
than that of cast-in-situ concrete construction [20]. Based on the specific mix proportion and
curing condition, precast concrete under the marine environment can also contribute to a significant

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571; doi:10.3390/app7060571 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 2 of 20

reduction in carbon emissions [21]. Since precast concrete construction has been proven to be a
more environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient method than cast-in-situ construction, it will play
an important role during the development of zero-carbon buildings.
The prime issue of the precast concrete structure is the connection between precast components
such as beams, columns, slabs and shear walls, etc., that must effectively integrate the individual
components to ensure structural safety, serviceability, and durability under various kinds of load
conditions [22]. The methods of reinforcement connections for cast-in-situ reinforced concrete
structures mainly include bound connections, welded connections, mechanical connections, etc.
However, there are some limitations in applying these methods to reinforcement connection of precast
members. For example, the mechanical connection requires high installation accuracy of the steel
bars, increasing the difficulty of lifting on site. Moreover, since the steel bars are heated during the
process of the welded connection, residual stress will be generated in the steel bars. Additionally,
due to the small space that the joint of the precast concrete structure occupies, using these conventional
reinforcement connection methods would be inconvenient for construction on site. Consequently,
reinforcement connection between precast members tends to be one of the critical problems during
precast concrete construction.
To solve this problem, Yee [23] firstly proposed the grouted splice sleeve (GSS) in the late 1960s,
i.e., the ribbed bars were inserted into the metal sleeve, then the grout was poured, and they could work
together after the grout was congealed and hardened. Because of the confinement effect exerted by
the sleeve, the bond strength of steel bars enhanced significantly, resulting in a shorter bar embedded
length [24]. Afterwards, Alfred A. Yee employed this technology to connect the frame columns of Ala
Moana which is a 38-story hotel located in Honolulu. In 1983, the grouted splice sleeve was rated
as one of the main reinforcement connection technologies by the American Concrete Institute [25].
The long-term use of this reinforcement connection technology has been tested by earthquakes in
many countries, such as the United States and Japan, proving that it can be used in seismic and
high-rise buildings.
Regarding the grouted splice sleeve technology, scholars carried out a lot of research work, trying
to find the influence factors that dominate the bond performance of the sleeve as well as their influence
rules, which can provide the theoretical foundation for sleeve design. For example, Einea et al. [26]
utilized the plain round bars to design four types of grouted sleeves with different parameters and
geometries, and based on the axial tension test of these specimens, they found that it is practicable
to employ the grouted splice sleeve to connect prefabricated members. Ling et al. [27] conducted the
tensile tests of two kinds of grouted splice sleeves, namely welded bar sleeve (WBS) and tapered head
sleeve (THS), to study the effect of steel bar embedment lengths and sleeve diameters on the tension
capacity of sleeves. Sayadi et al. [28] investigated the relationship between the interlocking mechanism
and bond strength in both the elastic and inelastic regions of the grouted splice sleeve by experiments,
and drew a conclusion that the bond strength will be increased if the interlocking mechanism is
arranged at the elastic region. Moreover, some researchers put forward the novel grouted splice sleeve.
For example, Seo et al. [29] proposed the grout-filled head-splice-sleeve (HSS) and studied the effect
of the configuration with or without the head and head size on the bond behavior via experiments.
They found that the configuration with a properly sized head can significantly improve the bond
strength and the ductility, leading to steel bars’ failure at the end. Furthermore, Henin et al. [30]
presented a non-proprietary grouted splice sleeve. Compared to the existing products, this kind of
sleeve is preferable with low cost and convenient fabrication, and can be compatible with the current
production tolerances.
In order to strengthen the connection performance of traditional grouted splice sleeves, a series of
improvement measures have been taken by researchers. For example, based on the cylindrical steel
pipe splice, adding spiral reinforcement [31] and bolts [28], and employing tapered steel pipes [32]
and square hollow sections [24] can enhance the confinement pressure and bond stress. Additionally,
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 3 of 20

to improve the durability and corrosion resistance, some scholars adopted aluminum [33] and glass
fiber-reinforced polymer [34,35] instead of steel as the material for making the sleeve.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 3 of 20
Although there are many studies on grouted splice sleeve technology, the development of reliable
connections which
Although haveare
there good
manyforce-transferring
studies on grouted mechanisms and that
splice sleeve are easy for
technology, the construction
developmentisofstill
a hot
reliable connections which have good force-transferring mechanisms and thatstudies
topic in construction industrialization and zero-carbon buildings. This paper a grouted
are easy for
splice sleeve which
construction is stillisa very convenient
hot topic for construction.
in construction The seismic
industrialization performance
and zero-carbon of precast
buildings. This concrete
paper
columns
studies using
a groutedsuchsplice
a connection
sleeve whichmethodis veryis thoroughly
convenient for experimentally investigated.
construction. The The grouted
seismic performance
splice sleeveconcrete
of precast connectioncolumns studied
usingin thisa connection
such paper for steelmethodbars embeddedexperimentally
is thoroughly in prefabricated members is
investigated.
The grouted
shown in Figure splice
1a. sleeve connection
The precast studied
concrete in thishas
column paper for steel bars embedded
a pre-embedded in prefabricated
cast iron sleeve in its lower
endmembers
and theisvertical
shown in Figure
steel bars1a.ofThe
theprecast
precastconcrete
concrete column
column hasare
a pre-embedded
inserted into cast
the iron sleeve
sleeve. in
During
its lower end and the vertical steel bars of the precast concrete column are
field installation, the steel bars extended from the pedestal are also inserted into the sleeve; then, inserted into the sleeve.
theDuring
grouting field installation,
material the steel
is poured bars
into theextended from the
sleeve. After thepedestal are also congealed
grout becomes inserted into thehardened,
and sleeve;
thethen,
stressthe grouting
of the material
steel bars is poured
is transferred by into the sleeve.
the bond After the
force between thegrout
rebar becomes
surface and congealed
mortar, asand well
hardened, the stress of the steel bars is transferred by the bond force
as between the mortar and sleeve wall. Compared with the traditional methods of reinforcement between the rebar surface and
mortar, asthere
connection, well is as no
between
externaltheforce
mortarandand heat sleeve wall.
exerted onCompared with the
the rebar, which cantraditional
prevent themethods of
rebar from
reinforcement connection, there is no external force and heat exerted on the rebar, which can prevent
expansion deformation and residual stress. Additionally, the construction operation is convenient,
the rebar from expansion deformation and residual stress. Additionally, the construction operation
and the requirements on the construction precision, the quality of the construction workers, and the
is convenient, and the requirements on the construction precision, the quality of the construction
construction environment are not too high. The proposed bar splice sleeve is tested to be pulled out,
workers, and the construction environment are not too high. The proposed bar splice sleeve is tested
showing a failure mode of rebar outside the sleeve yielding and then being ruptured, which meets the
to be pulled out, showing a failure mode of rebar outside the sleeve yielding and then being ruptured,
requirements. The pull-out test is demonstrated in Figure 1b and the sleeve configuration is shown in
which meets the requirements. The pull-out test is demonstrated in Figure 1b and the sleeve
Figure 1c.
configuration is shown in Figure 1c.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 1. (a) Schematic diagram of the grouted splice sleeve (distances in mm); (b) pull-out test of the
Figure 1. (a) Schematic diagram of the grouted splice sleeve (distances in mm); (b) pull-out test of the
grouted splice sleeve; (c) cast iron sleeve.
grouted splice sleeve; (c) cast iron sleeve.

The objective of this paper is to study the seismic performance of precast concrete columns with
The objective
grouted of thisbypaper
splice sleeves is to study
experiments, and the seismic
validate thatperformance
this kind of of precast
joint concrete
connection columns
of precast
with groutedhave
members splice
thesleeves by experiments,
same strength and validate
as cast-in-situ members.that this300
Four kindmm of joint
× 300connection of precast
mm prefabricated
members
columnshave
with the samesplice
grouted strength
sleeve asconnections
cast-in-situand
members.
two 300 Four
mm × 300 × 300 mmcolumns
300 mm cast-in-situ prefabricated
are
made. Through
columns low cyclic
with grouted splicerepeated loading and and
sleeve connections monotonic
two 300 mm ×tests,
loading 300 mmthe seismic performance
cast-in-situ columnsofare
the columns
made. Throughislow
compared between the
cyclic repeated prefabricated
loading ones and
and monotonic the cast-in-situ
loading tests, the ones,
seismicincluding the
performance
load-displacement curve, crack load, yield load, ultimate load, ductility, stiffness,
of the columns is compared between the prefabricated ones and the cast-in-situ ones, including the etc. Based on the
comprehensive analysis
load-displacement of the load,
curve, crack experimental
yield load,results, someload,
ultimate recommendations on practical
ductility, stiffness, etc. Basedseismic
on the
design pertaining
comprehensive to theofprecast
analysis concrete members
the experimental results,connected by the grouted splice
some recommendations sleeve are
on practical proposed.
seismic design
pertaining to the precast concrete members connected by the grouted splice sleeve are proposed.
2. Test Setup
In this section, pseudo-static tests on four precast columns and two cast-in-situ columns have
been conducted. Through these tests, the seismic performance of the cast-in-situ columns has been
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 4 of 20

2. Test Setup
In this section, pseudo-static tests on four precast columns and two cast-in-situ columns have
been
Appl.conducted.
Sci. 2017, 7, 571Through these tests, the seismic performance of the cast-in-situ columns has been
4 of 20
compared with that of the precast columns. There are six specimens: four of them are prefabricated
compared with that of the precast columns. There are six specimens: four of them are prefabricated
columns whose numbers are 2#, 3#, 5#, and 7#, while other two specimens, 1# and 6#, are cast-in-situ
columns whose numbers are 2#, 3#, 5#, and 7#, while other two specimens, 1# and 6#, are cast-in-situ
columns set as the control group. The size and reinforcement of these two types of columns are shown
columns set as the control group. The size and reinforcement of these two types of columns are shown
in Figure 2, where “4D16” means that the number of steel bars is four, and the diameter of the steel
in Figure 2, where “4D16” means that the number of steel bars is four, and the diameter of the steel
bars is 16 mm. “D8@100” means that the diameter of the stirrups is 8 mm, and the spacing of the
bars is 16 mm. “D8@100” means that the diameter of the stirrups is 8 mm, and the spacing of the
stirrups is 100 mm.
stirrups is 100 mm.

(a) (b)
Figure 2. Elevation of columns (distances in mm): (a) prefabricated column; (b) cast-in-situ column.
Figure 2. Elevation of columns (distances in mm): (a) prefabricated column; (b) cast-in-situ column.
Intensity grade of rebar used in the columns is HRB400 whose nominal yield strength is 400 MPa,
Intensity grade of rebar used in the columns is HRB400 whose nominal yield strength is 400 MPa,
and the diameter of the preformed hole is 45 mm.
and the diameter of the preformed hole is 45 mm.

2.1. Material Strength

2.1. Material Strength
2.1.1. Steel Bar Strength
2.1.1. Steel Bar Strength
HRB400 steel bars are utilized to make the specimens. Table 1 lists the actual measured yield
HRB400
strength steel
fy and bars are
ultimate utilizedf ,to
strength makeare
which the specimens.
obtained Table
through 1 liststests
material theon
actual
threemeasured yield
steel bars. In
u
strength f y and ultimate strength f u , which are obtained through material tests on 5three steel bars.
Table 1, the yield stain is expressed as ε = f ⁄E and the elastic modulus is E = 2.0 × 10 MPa.
In Table 1, the yield stain is expressed asy ε y y= fsy /Es and the elastic moduluss is Es = 2.0 × 105 MPa.

Table 1. Actual tensile strength of the steel bars.

Table 1. Actual tensile strength of the steel bars.
d (mm) fy (MPa) fu (MPa) εy (×10-6 )
8 fy (MPa)
d (mm) 427.4 fu626.7
(MPa) εy (×10− 6)
2137
12 8 455.4427.4 608.4
626.7 2137 2277
16 12 458.3455.4 608.4
625.8 2277 2292
20 16 439.9458.3 625.8
649.0 2292 2200
20 439.9 649.0 2200
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 5 of 20

2.1.2. Concrete Compressive Strength

Table 2 shows the actual measured cubic compressive strength of concrete, which is obtained
from the 28 days compressive strength of three test cubes with a side length of 150 mm. Additionally,
the compressive strength of grout is determined by averaging the cubic compressive strength of three
test cubes with a side length of 70 mm.

Table 2. Actual cubic compressive strength f cu of the concrete and grout of the specimens.

Specimen Number Concrete (MPa) Grout (MPa)

1# (cast in situ) 52.1 125.6
2# 53.8 128.0
3# 57.1 121.6
5# 38.8 118.1
6# (cast in situ) 52.7 125.3
7# 51.1 127.7

2.2. Test Method

Currently, there are three main kinds of indoor seismic test methods for structural models,
namely the pseudo-static test, pseudo-dynamic test, and shaking table test. The pseudo-static test,
also called the low cyclic repeated loading test, has been applied to study seismic performance of
various kinds of building structures or members by many scholars [36–38]. The experimental results
obtained from the low cyclic repeated loading test, such as hysteresis loops, load-displacement
curves, stiffness degradation curves, viscous damping coefficient, and displacement ductility
coefficient, can indicate the seismic performance of structural members effectively, including the
energy-dissipating capacity, load-carrying capability, and ductility. Furthermore, compared with other
test methods, the pseudo-static test is more economic, feasible, and has few requirements on the test
facility, which makes it not only convenient for researchers to watch the process of cracking and the
failure status of structures, but also realizable to check the test data and the working status of the test
apparatus, as well as to modify the loading process according to actual needs. Based on the advantages
of the pseudo-static test mentioned above, this paper uses it as the test method.

2.3. Test Apparatus and Loading Laws

2.3.1. Test Apparatus

There are many test loading methods to study the seismic performance of frame columns, among
which the simply supported beam loading and the cantilever beam loading are the most common ways.
In tests of high strength concrete square-section columns carried out at the University of Nebraska
Lincoln, the simply supported beam loading was chosen [39], while in tests of high strength concrete
columns conducted at Toronto University and Clarkson University, the cantilever beam loading was
employed [40,41]. In this test, the cantilever beam loading was adopted and an actuator with a
maximum loading of 10 tons was utilized to exert the cyclic load. The loading equipment is shown in
Figure 3.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 6 of 20
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 6 of 20

Figure 3.
Figure 3. Test apparatus.
Test apparatus.

2.3.2. Loading Laws

2.3.2. Loading Laws
Two load cases are considered in this test, namely low cyclic repeated loading and static loading.
Two load cases are considered in this test, namely low cyclic repeated loading and static loading.
Specifically, the low cyclic repeated loading can be divided into two phases, where the maximum
Specifically, the low cyclic repeated loading can be divided into two phases, where the maximum force
force of 0.5 Ncu and 0.75 Ncu ( Ncu is the estimated ultimate load) are repeatedly exerted,
of 0.5 N cu and 0.75 N cu (Ncu is the estimated ultimate load) are repeatedly exerted, respectively. In the
respectively. In the first loading phase, three cyclic loads are exerted previously with the maximum
first loading phase, three cyclic loads are exerted previously with the maximum value of 0.4 times of
value of 0.4 times of the cracking load. Subsequently, the peak loading value is set as 0.5 Ncu exerted
the cracking load. Subsequently, the peak loading value is set as 0.5 N cu exerted by a sine wave with
by a sine wave with a period of 60 s for each waveform, and the number of cyclic loadings is 30 times.
a period of 60 s for each waveform, and the number of cyclic loadings is 30 times. During the second
During the second loading phase, the peak loading value is set as 0.75 N and specimens are loaded
loading phase, the peak loading value is set as 0.75 N cu and specimens areculoaded 100 times repeatedly
100 times repeatedly by sine waves with a period of 45 s for each waveform.
by sine waves with a period of 45 s for each waveform.
When the low cyclic repeated loading process is finished, static loads are similarly applied to the
When the low cyclic repeated loading process is finished, static loads are similarly applied to
same location of specimens that low cyclic repeated loads are taken from. Specimens are loaded
the same location of specimens that low cyclic repeated loads are taken from. Specimens are loaded
continuously from zero to failure and the static loading is ended when the load-carrying capability
continuously from zero to failure and the static loading is ended when the load-carrying capability of
of the specimens falls to 85% of their ultimate load-carrying capability.
the specimens falls to 85% of their ultimate load-carrying capability.
2.3.3. Measurement
2.3.3. Design
Measurement Design
1. Layout of the Displacement Sensor
1. Layout of the Displacement Sensor
In order to measure rotation capacity of the column foot, two displacement sensors are arranged
In order to measure
at the pedestal and the rotation
locationcapacity
200 mmofabovethe column foot, tworespectively.
the pedestal, displacementAdditionally,
sensors are arranged
another
at the pedestal and the location 200 mm above the pedestal, respectively. Additionally,
displacement sensor is deployed at the load-end location of the column to measure the displacement another
displacement
change of thissensor
section.is The
deployed
layoutatofthe
theload-end location
displacement of theiscolumn
sensors shown to
in measure
Figure 4a.the displacement
change of this section. The layout of the displacement sensors is shown in Figure 4a.
2. Layout of the Strain Gauge
2. Layout of the Strain Gauge
Since there is the maximum moment at the lower end of the column, four strain gauges are set
at theSince
fourthere is the maximum
longitudinal steel barsmoment at the As
at the corner. lower
for end of the column,
the precast column,four strain gauges
an additional fourare set
strain
at the four
gauges are longitudinal
installed at thesteel barsnear
rebar at the
thecorner.
top of As
thefor the precast
sleeve. column,
The detailed an additional
arrangement planfour strain
is shown
gauges are installed
in Figure 4b,c. at the rebar near the top of the sleeve. The detailed arrangement plan is shown in
Figure The4b,c.
main measure contents in this test are the horizontal loads, horizontal displacement,
The
longitudinalmain measure
strain of the contents
steel bars,inandthis test width
crack are the horizontalAllloads,
of concrete. horizontal
measured data are displacement,
collected by
longitudinal strain of the steel bars, and crack width of concrete. All measured
a data collector; meanwhile, the horizontal loads and horizontal displacement are transferred data are collected by
to the
aXY-function
data collector; meanwhile,
recorder, which the horizontaltoloads
is employed plot and
P-∆ horizontal displacement are transferred to the
hysteretic curves.
XY-function recorder, which is employed to plot P-∆ hysteretic curves.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 7 of 20
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 7 of 20

(a) (b) (c)

Figure4.4.Measuring
Figure Measuringpoint
pointlayout:
layout:(a)
(a)displacement
displacementsensors;
sensors; (b)
(b)strain
straingauges
gaugesin
inthe
theprecast
precastcolumn;
column;
(c) strain gauges in the cast-in-situ column.
(c) strain gauges in the cast-in-situ column.

3. Test Results and Discussion

3. Test Results and Discussion

3.1.Test
3.1. TestPhenomenon
Phenomenon
Accordingto
According tothethetest
testphenomena,
phenomena,ititisisindicated
indicatedthatthatunder
underlow lowcyclic
cyclicrepeated
repeatedhorizontal
horizontalload,
load,
theoverall
the overallloading
loadingprocess
processof ofthe
thecolumns
columnscan canbebedivided
dividedinto intotwo
twostages,
stages,namely
namelythe theuncracking
uncracking
stage and cracking stage. During the uncracking stage, there were no cracks
stage and cracking stage. During the uncracking stage, there were no cracks in the specimens and in the specimens andthethe
stress of the longitudinal steel bars was extremely small, which means that members
stress of the longitudinal steel bars was extremely small, which means that members are at the elastic are at the elastic
stage,and
stage, andthetheinternal
internalforceforceisismainly
mainlyresisted
resistedby bythe
theconcrete.
concrete.At Atthe
thecracking
crackingstage,
stage,the
thestress
stressofofthe
the
longitudinal steel bars where cracks happened increased rapidly and many
longitudinal steel bars where cracks happened increased rapidly and many cracks appeared soon after. cracks appeared soon
after. Finally,
Finally, steel
steel bars at bars at the bottom
the bottom of the columns
of the columns began to began
yield.to yield.
Under static load, the loading history of the columns isalso
Under static load, the loading history of the columns is divided
also divided into two
into twostages, namely
stages, namely the
yield stage and failure stage. At the yield stage, the longitudinal steel
the yield stage and failure stage. At the yield stage, the longitudinal steel bars of columns yielded bars of columns yielded
successivelyuntil
successively untilthetheload-carrying
load-carryingcapability
capabilityofofcolumns
columnsreached
reachedtheir
theirpeak.
peak.TheThefailure
failurestage
stageended
ended
up with the phenomenon that columns were destroyed seriously or
up with the phenomenon that columns were destroyed seriously or their load-carrying capability their load-carrying capability
droppedtoto85%
dropped 85%of ofthetheultimate
ultimatevalue.
value.Considering
Consideringthe thesimilarity
similarityof ofthe
thetest
testphenomena
phenomenaamong amongthesethese
specimens, only
specimens, only thethephenomena
phenomena of ofspecimen
specimen 1#,1#, 3#,
3#, 5#,
5#, and
and 6# 6# will
will be
beillustrated
illustrated at atlength
lengthin inthe
the
following section. The loading conditions of column 1#, 3#, 5#, and 6#
following section. The loading conditions of column 1#, 3#, 5#, and 6# are listed in Table 3. are listed in Table 3.

Table3.3.Loading
Table Loadingconditions
conditionsofofcolumns
columns1#,
1#,3#,
3#,5#,
5#,and
and6#.
6#.

Low Cyclic Repeated Loading Static Loading

Specimen Low Cyclic Repeated Loading Static Loading
Specimen Preloading Peak Value at Peak Value at
Number
Number Preloading Peak Value at Peak Value at Yield Value Failure Value
Value
Value
First Stage
First Stage
Second Stage
Second Stage
Yield Value Failure Value
1# (cast in situ) ±7 kN ±13 kN ±19.5 kN 47.45 kN 54.19 kN
1# (cast in situ) ±7 kN ±13 kN ±19.5 kN 47.45 kN 54.19 kN
3#
3# ±4
±4 kNkN ±10
±10 kNkN ±19.5 kNkN
±19.5 47.77
47.77 kN kN 65.55
65.55 kN kN
5# ±±4 kN
4 kN ±±10 kN
10 kN ±19.5
±19.5 kNkN 37.54
37.54 kN kN 40.53
40.53 kN kN
6#6#(cast
(cast in
in situ)
situ) ±±4
4 kN
kN ±±10
10 kN
kN ±19.5 kNkN
±19.5 47.87 kN kN
47.87 56.29 kN kN
56.29

3.1.1.
3.1.1.Phenomena
Phenomenaof
ofColumn
Column1#
1#
For
Forcolumn
column1#,1#,aacast-in-situ
cast-in-situspecimen,
specimen,thetheinterconnected
interconnectedcracks
cracksat
atboth
bothsides
sidesappeared
appearedatatthethe
10th
10thload
loadcycle during
cycle duringthethe
firstfirst
stage of low
stage of cyclic repeated
low cyclic loading.
repeated In the In
loading. second loadingloading
the second stage, a crack
stage,
appeared with thewith
a crack appeared width theofwidth
0.3 mm of after
0.3 mmtheafter
specimen was subjected
the specimen to the 53rd
was subjected cyclic
to the 53rdload.
cyclicInload.
the
In the failure stage, the tensile cracks developed obviously while the concrete in the compressive zone
was crushed. The detailed crack distribution and failure mode of column 1# are shown in Figure 5.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 8 of 20

failure stage, the tensile cracks developed obviously while the concrete in the compressive zone was
crushed. The detailed crack distribution and failure mode of column 1# are shown in Figure
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571
5.
8 of 20

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 8 of 20

Figure 5. Cracks and failure mode of column 1#.

Figure 5. Cracks and failure mode of column 1#.
3.1.2. Phenomena of Column 3#
3.1.2. Phenomena of Column 3#Figure 5. Cracks and failure mode of column 1#.
Since the clearance between the column body and pedestal was not sealed rigidly during
Since the clearance
installation, the grout
3.1.2. Phenomena between
flowed
of Column 3# the
when column
grouting, bodytoand
leading pedestal
severe was inclination
out-of-plane not sealed rigidly 3#.
of column during
In the
installation, first low cyclic repeated loading stage, when the specimen was loaded at
the grout flowed when grouting, leading to severe out-of-plane inclination of column 3#. the 10th cycle, the
Since the clearance between the column body and pedestal was not sealed rigidly during
In themicro-cracks
first low at the connection
cyclic repeated part of the stage,
loading columnwhen
foot appeared. During the
wassecond stage, the surface
installation, the grout flowed when grouting, leading to the specimen
severe out-of-plane loaded
inclination at
of the
column10th 3#.cycle,
300 mm
the micro-cracks above the
at column
the foot
connection cracked.
part In
of the
the static
column loading
foot stage, cracks
appeared. penetrated
During at
the the tensilestage,
second
In the first low cyclic repeated loading stage, when the specimen was loaded at the 10th cycle, the
side of the column and then they extended to the opposite face of the column. When the static load
the surface 300 mm
micro-cracks above
at the the column
connection part of foot cracked.
the column footIn the static
appeared. loading
During stage, cracks
the second stage, thepenetrated
surface at
reached 52 kN, new cracks appeared at the upper location of the original ones. In the failure stage,
300 mm
the tensile above
side the column
of the column foot
and cracked.
then they In extended
the static loading stage, cracks
to the opposite penetrated
face at the tensile
of the column. When the
the cracks at the tensile side of the specimen developed severely while the compressive zone of the
side of
staticconcrete the
load reached column
52wasand then
kN,crushed. they
new cracks extended to the opposite face of the column. When the static load
column The appeared at thedistribution
detailed crack upper location of the mode
and failure original
of ones.
column In3#the failure
are
reached
stage,shown
the cracks52 kN,
at new
the cracks
tensile appeared
side of the at the upper
specimen location
developed of the original
severely ones.
while In
the the failure
compressive stage,
zone of
in Figure 6.
the cracks at the tensile side of the specimen developed severely while the compressive zone of the
the concrete column was crushed. The detailed crack distribution and failure mode of column 3# are
concrete column was crushed. The detailed crack distribution and failure mode of column 3# are
shown in Figure 6.
shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6. Cracks and failure mode of column 3#.

Figure 6. Cracks and failure mode of column 3#.

Figure 6. Cracks and failure mode of column 3#.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 9 of 20

3.1.3.Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571

Phenomena of Column 5# 9 of 20
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 9 of 20
3.1.3. Phenomena
Actually, columnof5#Column 5# ideal specimen that does not have any inclination. In the first low
is the most
3.1.3. Phenomena of Column 5#
cyclic repeated
Actually, loading
column stage,
5# is the connection
the most betweenthat
ideal specimen thedoesupper notand
havelower portions sealed
any inclination. by grout
In the first
had cracks Actually,
appear
low cyclic column
at the
repeated 5# is
back side
loading the most
stage,ofthe ideal specimen
theconnection
column during that does
betweenthe not
the11th have
upperloadany inclination.
andcycle.
lowerWhen In the
portions first
thesealed
columnby was
low cyclic repeated loading stage, the connection between the upper and lower portions sealed by
subjected
grout to
had the 28thappear
cracks load cycle,
at the the
backconnection at the front
side of the column duringside the of
11ththe column
load cracked.
cycle. When New cracks
the column
grout had cracks appear at the back side of the column during the 11th load cycle. When the column
wasappear
did not subjected to the
until the second
28th load cycle, the connection at the front side of the column cracked.
was subjected to the 28th stage ended.
load cycle, the In the static
connection at load stage,
the front sidethe width
of the of the
column crack
cracked. 250 mm
New cracks
above the New
column did not
foot
cracks didwasappear until
over 2.0
not appear the
mm.
until second stage
In the stage
the second ended.
failure stage,
ended. In the static
thestatic
In the tensile load stage,
loadcracks were
stage, the the width
obvious
width of the the
of the while
crack 250
crack mm
250 above
mm the
above column
the column foot
footwas
wasover
over 2.0
2.0 mm.
mm. InIn the
the failure
failure stage,
stage,
concrete in the compressive zone was crushed. The detailed crack distribution and failure mode of the the tensile
tensile cracks
cracks were were
obvious whilewhile
obvious the concrete in the
the concrete compressive
in the compressivezonezone was crushed.The
was crushed. The detailed
detailed crackcrack distribution
distribution and and
column 5# are shown in Figure 7.
failurefailure
modemode of column
of column 5# are
5# are shown
shown ininFigure
Figure7.
7.

Figure 7. Cracks and failure mode of column 5#.

Figure 7. Cracks and failure mode of column 5#.
3.1.4. Phenomena of Column 6#
Figure 7. Cracks and failure mode of column 5#.
3.1.4. Phenomena of Column
Column 6#
6# is a cast-in-situ specimen with no strain gauges. In the low cyclic repeated loading
3.1.4. stage, after 20of
Phenomena cyclic
Columnloads 6#
were applied, the specimen began to crack slightly. In the second stage,
Column 6#appeared
a crack is a cast-in-situ specimen
when the specimen withthe
suffered no3rdstrain gauges.
cycle load, and atIn the
the low
10th loadcyclic repeated
cycle, this crack loading
stage, after was20interconnected
Column cyclic
6# isloads atwere
a cast-in-situ applied,
of thethe
specimen
both sides withspecimen
column. noInstrain began
gauges.
the static loadtoIncrack
the the
stage, slightly.
low In thecrack
cyclicobvious
second repeated second
loadingstage,
stage,
a crack appeared
appeared at
after 20when 200 mm
cyclic above
loads
the theapplied,
were
specimen lower endthe
sufferedof the column
specimen
the when
began
3rd cycle the
load,tostress
andofat
crack the specimen
slightly.
the increased
In the
10th load second
cycle, tostage,
this crack
a crackitsappeared
yield value. When
when the the load wassuffered
specimen up to 51.40the kN,
3rd the third
cycle load,obvious
and atcrack
the appeared.
10th load Finally,this
cycle, thecrack
was interconnected at both sides of the column. In the static load stage, the second obvious crack
concrete at the compressive
was interconnected at both zoneof
sides was crushed
the to failure
In thewhile theload
cracks at the the
tensile zone developed
appeared at 200 mmThe
obviously. above thecrack
detailed lower end ofcolumn.
distributionthe
andcolumn
static
when
failure mode
stage,
the stress
of column thesecond
of shown
6# are specimen obvious
in Figure 8.
crack to its
increased
appeared at 200 mm above the lower end of the column when the stress of the specimen increased to
yield value. When the load was up to 51.40 kN, the third obvious crack appeared. Finally, the concrete
its yield value. When the load was up to 51.40 kN, the third obvious crack appeared. Finally, the
at the compressive zone was crushed to failure while the cracks at the tensile zone developed obviously.
concrete at the compressive zone was crushed to failure while the cracks at the tensile zone developed
The detailed
obviously.crack distribution
The detailed crackand failure mode
distribution of column
and failure 6#column
mode of are shown
6# areinshown
Figurein8.
Figure 8.

Figure 8. Cont.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 10 of 20
Appl. Appl.
Sci. 2017, 7, 571
Sci. 2017, 7, 571 10 of 2010 of 20

Figure 8. Crack and failure mode of column 6#.

Figure 8. Crack and failure mode of column 6#.
Figure 8. Crack and failure mode of column 6#.
According to the test phenomena presented above, the prefabricated columns have fundamentally
the same failure
According
According totothe mode
the testas
test that of the cast-in-situ
phenomena
phenomena presentedcolumns,
presented above,
above,the indicating
the that both
prefabricated
prefabricated of themhave
columns
columns completely
have lose
fundamentally
fundamentally
the the ultimate
same failure load-carrying
mode as that capability
of the due to bending
cast-in-situ columns, failure. Under this
indicating that mode
both of them
of failure,completely
the cracks lose
the same failure mode as that of the cast-in-situ columns, indicating that both of them completely lose
the widened visibly at the tensile edge of the concrete, and the columns failed bymodecrushing failure,
of the concrete
theultimate
ultimateload-carrying
load-carryingcapability capabilitydue dueto tobending
bendingfailure.failure.Under
Underthis this modeof of failure,the thecracks
cracks
in the compressive zone and by tensile yielding of the vertical reinforcement bars in the tensile zone.
widened visibly
widenedHowever, at the
visibly atdifferencestensile
the tensileexistedge
edge of the concrete, and the columns failed by crushing
of the concrete, and the columns failed by crushing of the concrete of the concrete
in the crack distribution between these two types of columns. For the
in
inthe
the compressive
compressive zone
zone and
and by
by tensile
tensile yielding
yielding ofofthe
the vertical
vertical reinforcement bars ininthethetensile zone.
cast-in-situ columns, the first crack appeared at the bottom of thereinforcement
column, and then barsit moved tensile
toward zone.
However,
the opposite side, and finally the interconnected crack almost overlapped with the interface between the
However, differences
differences exist
exist ininthe
the crack
crack distribution
distribution between
between these
these two
two types
types ofof columns.
columns. For
For the
cast-in-situ
cast-in-situ columns,
the columncolumns,
body and the first
the the crack
firstpedestal, appeared
crack appeared
as shown atat the
in the bottom
bottom
Figure of the column,
of the column,
9a. However, and then it
and then it moved
for the prefabricated moved
columns, toward
toward
the
theopposite
opposite
the width side,
side,
of the and
and finally
finallythe
horizontal the
cracksinterconnected
at the columncrack
interconnected crack almost
foot werealmostnotoverlapped
overlapped
large, whereas with thethe
with the interface
interface
horizontal between
between
cracks
the
thecolumn
above the
column bodysleeve
body and
and the
thepedestal,
were wide,
pedestal,and as asshown
they ininFigure
propagated
shown 9a.
9a.However,
downward
Figure and became
However, for
forthe prefabricated
diagonal
the cracks with
prefabricated columns,
a
columns,
the large
width width,
of the as shown
horizontal in Figure
cracks 9b.
at The
the differences
column in
foot the
werecrack notdistribution
the width of the horizontal cracks at the column foot were not large, whereas the horizontal crackslarge, between
whereas the these two
horizontal typescracks
above ofthecolumns
sleeve may wide,
be attributed topropagated
the following reasons. and First,became
at the diagonal
connection part with
of the
above the sleevewere were wide, and andthey they propagated downward
downward and became cracks
diagonal cracks awith
largea
width,prefabricated
as shown columns,
in Figure the
9b.stress
The existing in
differences the insteel
the bars
crack is transferred
distribution to the sleeve
between via
thesemortar,
two and
types of
large width, as shown in Figure 9b. The differences in the crack distribution between these two types
thus the sleeve whose tensile strength is higher than that of the steel bars replaces the steel bars to
columns
of columns may maybe attributed
be attributedto the following reasons. First,
to the following reasons.at theFirst,
connection
at the part of the prefabricated
connection part of the
bear the loads. Furthermore, the compressive strength of grout filled in the sleeve is higher than that
columns, the stress
prefabricated existing in the steel barsinis the
transferred toisthe sleeve viatomortar, and via thusmortar,
the sleeve
of concrete. Consequently, the strength of precast columns at the connection part is enhanced, making and
columns, the stress existing steel bars transferred the sleeve
whose
thusthe tensile
theplastic strength
sleevehingewhose move is higher
tensile
upward, than
strength that of the
is higher
as illustrated steel
than 9c;
in Figure bars
that replaces
of thefor
Second, the
steel steel
the bars bars to
replacescolumns,
prefabricated bear the
the steel theloads.
bars to
Furthermore,
the loads.the
bearcompressive compressive
Furthermore,
strength of thethe strength
compressive of grout
two-centimeter-thick filled
strength
mortarofinlayer
the issleeve
grout filled
low, isinhigher
and thethan
the sleeve
thus isthat
bonding higher of concrete.
than that
strength
Consequently,
of concrete. thecolumn
betweenConsequently,
the strength of
theprecast
foot strength
and columns
pedestal of precastat the
is weak, connection
columns
which at the
can part is enhanced,
connection
possibly lead part
to the ismaking
column the
enhanced, body plastic
making
hinge movehinge
separating
the plastic upward,
from move as illustrated
the upward, asinillustrated
pedestal before Figure 9c; in
failure, as Second,
Figurefor
illustrated 9c;the
in prefabricated
Figure
Second, 9d. columns, the compressive
for the prefabricated columns, the
strength of thestrength
compressive two-centimeter-thick mortar layer ismortar
of the two-centimeter-thick low, and thus
layer the bonding
is low, and thusstrength between
the bonding the
strength
column foot and pedestal is weak, which can possibly lead to the column body separating
between the column foot and pedestal is weak, which can possibly lead to the column body from the
pedestal before
separating fromfailure, as illustrated
the pedestal before in Figureas9d.
failure, illustrated in Figure 9d.

(a) (b)

(a) (b)

Figure 9. Cont.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 11 of 20
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 11 of 20

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 11 of 20

(c) (d)
Figure 9. (a) Crack distribution
(c) of the cast-in-situ columns; (b) crack distribution of the precast
(d)of the precast
Figure 9. (a) Crack distribution of the cast-in-situ columns; (b) crack distribution columns;
columns; (c) schematic of the first reason; (d) schematic of the second reason.
(c) Figure
schematic of the first reason; (d) schematic of the second reason.
9. (a) Crack distribution of the cast-in-situ columns; (b) crack distribution of the precast
columns; (c) schematic of the first reason; (d) schematic of the second reason.
It should be noted that although inclination appeared in some columns resulting from the low
It shouldstrength
compressive be notedofthat
the although inclination appeared
two-centimeter-thick mortar layerin some
betweencolumns resulting
the column foot from
and the low
pedestal,
It should
compressive be noted
strength of that
the although inclination mortar
two-centimeter-thick appeared in some
layer between columns
the resulting
column from
foot and the low
pedestal,
this problem can
compressive be avoided
strength in practical engineering
of the two-centimeter-thick if high-strength
mortar layer between the mortar
column is utilized.
foot and pedestal,
this problem can be avoided in practical engineering if high-strength mortar is utilized.
this problem can be avoided in practical engineering if high-strength mortar is utilized.
3.2. Discussion on Test Results
3.2. Discussion on Test Results
3.2. Discussion on Test Results
3.2.1. HysteresisLoops
3.2.1. Hysteresis Loops
3.2.1. Hysteresis Loops
Thehysteresis
The hysteresiscurve
curveshowsshowsthe thedeformation
deformationperformance
performanceofofstructures
structures(or (ormembers),
members),which which
providesThe anhysteresis
important curve shows
reference the
for deformation
analyzing their performance
seismic of structures
performance.
provides an important reference for analyzing their seismic performance. The geometrical shape The (or members),
geometrical which
shape of the
of
provides
hysteresis an
loopimportant
representsreference
the for analyzing
capacity of their
structuresseismic
to be performance.
restored to The
their geometrical
original shape
status whenof the
loads
the hysteresis loop represents the capacity of structures to be restored to their original status when
hysteresis
are removed. loop represents
Based on theon the capacity
shape the of structures to benot
restored to their original status when loads
loads are removed. Based the of
shape hysteresis curve,
of the hysteresis onlynot
curve, the seismic
only theperformance of structures
seismic performance of
are be
can removed. Based ondetermined
qualitatively the shape of the but hysteresis
also the curve, not only thecapability,
load-carrying seismic performance
stiffness, offailure
structures
status,
structures can be qualitatively determined but also the load-carrying capability, stiffness, failure status,
can be qualitatively
deformation, determined
ductility,energy-dissipating but also
energy-dissipating the load-carrying
ability, andnonlinear capability,
nonlinearproperties
propertiesof stiffness,
ofstructures failure
structures status,
areable
able
deformation, ductility, ability, and are totobe
be
deformation,
obtained. In ductility,
this section,energy-dissipating
the typical ability,
specimens and
1# nonlinear
and 5# are properties
selected of
and structures
their are able
hysteresis to be are
loops
obtained.
obtained.
InInthis section,
this 10
section,
the typical specimens 1# and 5# are selected and their hysteresis loops are
the typical specimens 1# and 5# are selected and their hysteresis loops are
shown
shown in
in inFigures
Figures and 11.
shown Figures1010and
and11.11.

(a)
(a) (b)(b)

Figure 10. Cont.

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 12 of 20
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 12 of 20
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 12 of 20

(c) (d)
(c) (d)
Figure 10. Hysteresis loops of column 1#: (a) hysteresis loops at the preloading stage; (b) hysteresis
Figure 10. Hysteresis loops of column 1#: (a) hysteresis loops at the preloading stage; (b) hysteresis
Figure
loops at10.
theHysteresis
first stage;loops of column
(c) hysteresis 1#: at
loops (a)the
hysteresis loops(d)
second stage; at hysteresis
the preloading
loopsstage;
of the(b) hysteresis
overall cyclic
loops at the first stage; (c) hysteresis loops at the second stage; (d) hysteresis loops of the overall cyclic
loops at the first
loading process. stage; (c) hysteresis loops at the second stage; (d) hysteresis loops of the overall cyclic
loading process.
loading process.

(a) (b)
(a) (b)

(c) (d)
(c) (d)
Figure 11. Hysteresis loops of column 5#: (a) hysteresis loops at the preloading stage; (b) hysteresis
Figureat11.
loops11. theHysteresis
first stage;loops of column
(c) hysteresis 5#: (a)the
loops hysteresis loops(d)
at the preloading
loopsstage;
the(b) hysteresis
Figure Hysteresis loops of column 5#: at second stage;
(a) hysteresis loops athysteresis
the preloading of
stage;overall cyclic
(b) hysteresis
loops at
loading the first
process. stage; (c) hysteresis loops at the second stage; (d) hysteresis loops of the overall cyclic
loops at the first stage; (c) hysteresis loops at the second stage; (d) hysteresis loops of the overall cyclic
loading process.
loading process.
Several common features of the specimens are summarized as follows:
Several common features of the specimens are summarized as follows:
(1)Several
In thecommon
preload stage of low
features cyclic
of the repeatedare
specimens loading, the hysteresis
summarized loops are relatively full and
as follows:
(1) show
In theshuttle
preload stage of low cyclic repeated loading, the hysteresis
shapes, whereas in the first stage, the hysteresis loops begin loops
to are
show relatively full and
the rheostriction
show
(1) Ineffect shuttle
the preload shapes,
due to stage whereas
of low cyclic
the generation in the first
andrepeated stage,
development the
loading, hysteresis loops
the hysteresis
of cracks begin to
loops are
in the concrete. show the
In relatively rheostriction
the secondfull andthe
stage, show
effect
shuttle due to the
shapes,
rheostriction generation
whereas
effect of the andfirst
in curve
the development
stage, the
becomes of cracks
and in
hysteresis
obvious the thehysteresis
loopsconcrete.
begin to In show
the present
loops second stage, the
the rheostriction
arch and
rheostriction
reversed
effect due Stoshapes.effect
the of the curve
generation and becomes
development obvious and theinhysteresis
of cracks loopsIn
the concrete. present arch and
the second stage,
reversed
(2) the
Under S
rheostrictionshapes.
the load effect
with the same
of the level,
curve the areaobvious
becomes that theand
hysteresis loops envelop
the hysteresis is smaller
loops present and
arch and
(2) reversed
Under the
smaller, load withthat
Sindicating
shapes. thethesame level, the area that
energy-dissipating the hysteresis
capacity loops Moreover,
is degrading. envelop is thesmaller and
residual
smaller,
deformationindicating
and thethat
area theenveloped
energy-dissipating
by the capacityloops
is degrading. Moreover, theboosting;
residual
(2) Under the load with the same level, the areahysteresis
that the hysteresis is increasing with load
loops envelop is smaller and
deformationthe
meanwhile and the is
curve area enveloped
inclined to theby the hysteresis
displacement loops is increasing with load boosting;
axis.
smaller, indicating that the energy-dissipating capacity is degrading. Moreover, the residual
meanwhile the curve is inclined to the displacement axis.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 13 of 20

deformation and the area enveloped by the hysteresis loops is increasing with load boosting;
meanwhile the curve is inclined to the displacement axis.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 13 of 20
(3) For the loading curve, under the load with the same level, the displacement increases with the
increasing
(3) numbercurve,
For the loading of loops,
underwhile thewith
the load slope
theof the level,
same curvethediminishes,
displacementindicating the stiffness
increases with the
degradation
increasing of the specimens
number when
of loops, while thethey
slopesuffer
of therepeated loads. indicating
curve diminishes, The curvetheslope reduces
stiffness
significantly
degradation whenof the
the loading enters
specimens whenintothey
the second stage. Regarding
suffer repeated loads. Thethe unloading
curve curve, it has
slope reduces
significantly
the same changewhen law intheterms
loading enters
of the intoslope
curve the second
with thestage. Regarding
increasing the unloading
number of loops.curve,
When all
it has the same change law in terms of the curve slope with the increasing number
the loads are removed, there is a residual deformation in the specimens and it can be intensified of loops.
withWhen all the loads
the repeated are removed,
loading there is aprocess.
and unloading residual deformation in the specimens and it can be
intensified with the repeated loading and unloading process.
3.2.2. Load-Displacement Curves in the Failure Stage
3.2.2. Load-Displacement Curves in the Failure Stage
The typical load-displacement curves of column 1# and 5# in the failure and the whole loading
The typical load-displacement curves of column 1# and 5# in the failure and the whole loading
process are drawn
process as shown
are drawn in in
as shown Figure
Figure12.
12.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)
Figure 12. Load-displacement curves: (a) column 1# in the failure stage; (b) column 1# in the whole
Figure 12. Load-displacement curves: (a) column 1# in the failure stage; (b) column 1# in the whole
loading process; (c) column 5# in the failure stage; (d) column 5# in the whole loading process.
loading process; (c) column 5# in the failure stage; (d) column 5# in the whole loading process.
The load-carrying capability of each specimen is displayed in Table 4. Columns 1# and 6# are
cast-in-situ
The specimens
load-carrying and their strengths
capability are basically
of each specimen isconsistent.
displayedThe in load-carrying
Table 4. Columns capability of the6# are
1# and
prefabricated columns 2#, 3#, and 7# varies due to insufficient grouting in their
cast-in-situ specimens and their strengths are basically consistent. The load-carrying capability of thesleeve connection,
which can be attributed to the strength of the cement mortar that is utilized to seal the edge being
prefabricated columns 2#, 3#, and 7# varies due to insufficient grouting in their sleeve connection,
inadequate. Furthermore, the grout with a higher strength than concrete leaks out and diffuses at the
which can be attributed to the strength of the cement mortar that is utilized to seal the edge being
column foot, leading to these specimens possessing different load-carrying capabilities. Column 2#
inadequate.
generatesFurthermore, the grout
in-plane inclination andwith a higher
the loading strength
direction than
at its concrete
failure stageleaks out and
is opposite diffuses
to that of theat the
columninclination, resulting in a higher load-carrying capability. On the contrary, column 7# also generates 2#
foot, leading to these specimens possessing different load-carrying capabilities. Column
generates in-plane
in-plane inclination
inclination and the loading
but its inclination direction
has the same at itswith
direction failure
that stage
of the is opposite
loading tofailure
at the that of the
inclination, resulting
phase, leading to in
lowa load-carrying
higher load-carrying
capability.capability.
For column On3#,the contrary,
it inclines outcolumn
of plane7#butalso
hasgenerates
the
largest
in-plane load-carrying
inclination capability
but its among
inclination these
has the specimens.
same directionThe possible
with thatrelevant
of thecauses for that
loading at themayfailure
be: (1) the severe out-of-plane inclination may give rise to the smaller axial
phase, leading to low load-carrying capability. For column 3#, it inclines out of plane but has the force exerted on the
column;
largest (2) a greatcapability
load-carrying deal of grout leaksthese
among out, and finally theThe
specimens. high-strength mortar replaces
possible relevant causes forconcrete to be:
that may
bear the compression. As for column 5#, it is grouted sufficiently because of no grout running out,
(1) the severe out-of-plane inclination may give rise to the smaller axial force exerted on the column;
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 14 of 20

(2) a great deal of grout leaks out, and finally the high-strength mortar replaces concrete to bear the
compression. As for column 5#, it is grouted sufficiently because of no grout running out, and finally,
its yield capacity is 80% that of the cast-in-situ columns and its ultimate load-carrying capability is
70% that of the cast-in-situ columns.

Table 4. Load-carrying capability of the specimens.

Specimen Cracking Load (kN) Yield Load (kN) Ultimate Load (kN)
1# (cast in situ) 25.43 47.45 54.19
2# 27.57 48.60 59.81
3# 28.54 47.77 65.55
5# 27.38 37.54 40.53
6# (cast in situ) 26.17 47.87 56.29
7# 27.04 28.93 39.76

3.2.3. Stiffness Degradation Curves

The stiffness of the column will degrade after cracking. Under low cyclic repeated horizontal
loading, the computational formula of its stiffness can be expressed as

|+ Pi | + |− Pi |
Ki = (1)
|+∆i | + |−∆i |

where Ki means the secant stiffness of the specimen under the ith level load; + Pi , − Pi are the peak
load values of the first circulation under the ith level load and +∆i , −∆i are their corresponding
displacements. Due to the small number of load levels in the low cyclic repeated loading stage,
the stiffness degradation in the failure stage is considered simultaneously, and the stiffness value is
obtained from Equation (2) whose calculated results can qualitatively reflect the change tendency of
stiffness degradation during the whole loading process.

P
K= (2)
∆
Calculate the stiffness value of specimens at each loading stage, including initial stiffness K30 ,
cracking stiffness Kcr , yield stiffness Ky , and ultimate stiffness Ku . Since the reading of the displacement
sensor has a large relative error at the beginning of the test, the secant stiffness at the end of the first
stage of the low cyclic repeated loading is regarded as the initial stiffness K30 , and the secant stiffness
at the end of the second stage of the low cyclic repeated loading is denoted as K130 . Then calculate the
relative stiffness of K130 , Kcr , Ky , and Ku with respect to K30 . The stiffness of each specimen at each
loading stage is shown in Table 5. It can be concluded from Table 5 that the cast-in-situ columns have
a faster velocity of stiffness degradation. Column 5# has the most successful grouting and its stiffness
degradation process after yielding is similar with that of the cast-in-situ columns.

Table 5. Stiffness value of the specimens at each load stage (kN/mm).

Specimen K30 K130 K130 /K30 Kcr Kcr /K30 Ky Ky /K30 Ku Ku /K30
1# (cast in situ) 40.37 14.21 35.20% 11.26 27.89% 6.17 15.28% 2.52 6.24%
2# 47.9 33.57 70.08% 22.58 47.14% 18.71 37.93% 6.68 13.95%
3# 43.96 28.14 64.01% 21.03 47.84% 16.64 37.85% 3.98 8.00%
5# 38.81 26.81 69.07% 23.59 60.78% 6.90 17.78% 3.78 9.74%
6# (cast in situ) 87.48 27.39 31.31% 20.32 23.23% 12.87 14.72% 4.87 5.57%
7# 48.02 23.34 48.59% 21.77 45.33% 14.99 31.22% 4.14 8.62%

For the sake of comparing and analyzing, the stiffness degradation curves of each specimen
are drawn in the same coordinate system shown in Figure 13. It is shown that the stiffness of the
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 15 of 20

specimens is relatively large at the first stage of low cyclic repeated loading, while it diminishes as
the number
Appl. of571
Sci. 2017, 7, loops
increases. At the second stage, since cracks appear and propagate, steel 15bars
of 20
would slip longitudinally with respect to the adjacent concrete. Meanwhile, the velocity of stiffness
degradation
degradation accelerates
accelerates caused
caused byby the plastic deformation
the plastic deformation that
that occurred
occurred in
in the
the concrete.
concrete. After the
After the
specimens
specimens achieve
achieve yield
yield stress,
stress, the
the stiffness
stiffness is
is reduced
reduced further
further but
but its
its velocity
velocity begins
begins to
to slow
slow down,
down,
and finally the stiffness degradation tends to be steady.
and finally the stiffness degradation tends to be steady.

Figure 13. Stiffness degradation curves of the specimens.

3.2.4. Energy Dissipation Capacity

When the
the structure
structuregets
getsinto
intothe
theelastic-plastic
elastic-plasticstate, itsits
state, seismic
seismicperformance
performance mainly
mainlydepends
dependson
the energy dissipation capacity. Figure 14 shows one loop of the hysteretic curve,
on the energy dissipation capacity. Figure 14 shows one loop of the hysteretic curve, by which by which the
structural
structuralnonlinear
nonlinearenergy
energyabsorption andand
absorption dissipation capacity
dissipation can be
capacity directly
can reflected
be directly from the
reflected shaded
from the
area
shadedABCDA. Hence,Hence,
area ABCDA. the area
the that the the
area that P-∆ P-∆
hysteresis
hysteresiscurve
curveenvelops
envelopsrepresents
representsthethe structural
ductility and energy-dissipating ability. The larger area that the hysteretic curve envelops, the more
energy that structure
structure dissipates, which is
dissipates, which is conducive
conducive toto structural
structural earthquake-resistant
earthquake-resistant behavior.
behavior.

Figure
Figure 14.
14. Schematic
Schematic diagram
diagram of
of computing
computing the
the viscous
viscous damping
damping coefficient.
coefficient.

The viscous damping coefficient hee is one of the main indexes that reflects the structural ability
The viscous damping coefficient h is one of the main indexes that reflects the structural ability to
to dissipate energy. Specifically, it can ebe calculated by Equation (3) [42]:
dissipate energy. Specifically, it can be calculated by Equation (3) [42]:
1 Area ( ABC + CDA)
hee = 1 ⋅ Area ( ABC + CDA)
rea
(3)
he = 2π · Area (OBE + ODF ) (3)
2π Arearea (OBE + ODF )

The viscous damping coefficients hee of six specimens in terms of certain loading cycles are
shown in Table 6, by which the following conclusions can be drawn:
(1) Since force-controlling loading is adopted, at the same level of the load, the stiffness reduces as
the circle times increases, leading to a smaller viscous damping coefficient and a worse capacity
of energy dissipation.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 16 of 20

The viscous damping coefficients he of six specimens in terms of certain loading cycles are shown
in Table 6, by which the following conclusions can be drawn:

(1) Since force-controlling loading is adopted, at the same level of the load, the stiffness reduces as
the circle times increases, leading to a smaller viscous damping coefficient and a worse capacity
of energy dissipation.
(2) The energy dissipation capacity of the specimens changes significantly in the first stage of low
cyclic repeated loading and the specimens tend to lose the ability to dissipate energy in the whole
second stage.
(3) The specimen 5# grouted successfully with little grout leaking out has the largest viscous damping
coefficients. Generally speaking, the prefabricated specimens have larger viscous damping
coefficients than that of the cast-in-situ specimens, which demonstrates that the prefabricated
columns have better performance on dissipating energy.

Table 6. Viscous damping coefficient he of the specimens.

Cycle Index
1 3 34 133
Specimen
1# (cast in situ) 0.153 0.123 0.049 0.011
2# 0.183 0.164 0.073 0.059
3# 0.145 0.128 0.039 0.024
5# 0.249 0.171 0.067 0.047
6# (cast in situ) 0.188 0.168 0.016 0.045
7# 0.191 0.230 0.027 0.047

3.2.5. Ductility
Ductility refers to the ability of a section to deform beyond its yield point without a significant
strength loss, which is one of the essential indexes that reflect the inelastic deformation capacity
of structures, members, and materials, and that evaluates the structural seismic performance.
If a structure or a member has a strong inelastic deformation ability after yielding, it has a good
ductility and ductile failure mode, but if not, brittle failure may happen more easily.
According to the deformation types that ductility represents, ductility is mainly categorized
into the following four classifications: strain ductility, curvature ductility, rotation ductility,
and displacement ductility. For displacement ductility, it is defined as the ratio of the ultimate
displacement to the yield displacement. This paper utilizes the displacement ductility of the column
end for analysis, denoted as µ∆ , which is expressed as follows:

∆u
µ∆ = (4)
∆y

where ∆u denotes the effective horizontal displacement of the column when the horizontal loads
imposed on the specimens begin to decline while the horizontal displacement continuously increases;
∆y denotes the effective horizontal displacement of the column when the specimens yield. The effective
horizontal displacement is obtained from the displacement at the top of column minus the displacement
of the pedestal.
Based on Table 7, it is shown that all of the four prefabricated columns have a displacement
ductility coefficient of the column end larger than 3.2, which satisfies the general regulation that the
displacement ductility coefficient of the frame column should be larger than 2.0 [43], indicating that
the prefabricated columns possess good ductility.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 17 of 20

Table 7. Displacement ductility coefficient of each specimen.

Yield Displacement Ultimate Displacement Displacement Ductility

Specimen
∆y (mm) ∆u (mm) Coefficient µ∆
1# (cast in situ) 6.97 21.48 3.08
2# 2.59 8.95 3.46
3# 2.87 16.53 5.76
5# 2.67 8.65 3.24
6# (cast in situ) 3.35 11.79 3.52
7# 2.09 10.26 4.91

In conclusion, the prefabricated columns not only have high load-carrying capability but also have
good ductility and energy-dissipating capacity, which meets the earthquake-resistant requirements.
Through the experimental study, some important conclusions can be drawn as follows:

(1) According to the hysteresis loops of the specimens, the hysteresis curves of both the cast-in-situ
columns and prefabricated columns have changed from plump shuttle shapes to reversed S
shapes with the reduced pinch phenomenon.
(2) As for the load-carrying capability and stiffness, the cracking load of the prefabricated columns
is almost identical with that of the cast-in-situ columns. Take the fully grouted specimen
5# for example; its yield load and ultimate load are slightly less than that of the cast-in-situ
columns. Furthermore, the stiffness of the prefabricated columns degrades slower than that of
the cast-in-situ columns.
(3) Based on the viscous damping coefficient and displacement ductility, the behavior of energy
dissipation of the prefabricated columns is close to that of the cast-in-situ columns, indicating
that the prefabricated columns have satisfactory energy-dissipating capacity.
(4) The ultimate displacement angle of the prefabricated columns is between 1/104 and 1/54, which
satisfies the requirements of the code for seismic design on columns under rare earthquake [44].

3.3. Design Recommendations

In this section, based on the analysis of the experimental results, the following recommendations
on practical seismic design pertaining to the precast concrete members connected by the grouted splice
sleeve are proposed:

(1) Stirrups should be configured in the range of the sleeve height to improve the compression
capacity of concrete. Furthermore, the sleeve shall be further optimized in terms of configuration,
in order to prevent the grouting material from clogging and to ensure that the installation of the
sleeve has no effect on the fixing of reinforcement.
(2) The interface between the column body and pedestal, including the side, top, and bottom surfaces
of the prefabricated members can be roughened, and the minimum exposed height of the coarse
aggregate should be specified. Moreover, the preset slot with the thickness of 20 mm between
the column body and pedestal should be sealed by high-strength grouting material, which can
effectively prevent the grout from leaking out as well as improve the load-carrying capability.
(3) Grouting material should possess high strength, high liquidity, and long initial setting time.
However, the grouting material with high strength may lead to low plasticity. It is recommended
to produce the modified grouting material with more significant performance according to the
requirements of the corresponding regulations, on the premise that the compressive strength can
attain 100 MPa within 7 days.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 571 18 of 20

4. Conclusions
In this paper, the pseudo-static tests of both the precast columns using grouted splice sleeves to
connect steel bars and the cast-in-situ columns have been conducted. According to the analysis and
discussion of the test results in the above sections, several main conclusions are drawn as follows:

(1) The failure modes between the prefabricated columns and cast-in-situ columns are basically
the same, which are both bending failure. The cracks widen visibly at the tensile edge of the
concrete, and the columns fail by crushing of the concrete in the compressive zone and tensile
yielding of the vertical reinforcement bars in the tensile zone. The ultimate displacement angle
of the prefabricated columns are between 1/104 and 1/54, which satisfies the regulation in rare
earthquake situations and demonstrates that the grouted splice sleeve is reliable in the connection
between the prefabricated members.
(2) For the cast-in-situ columns, there is a horizontal interconnected crack in the interface between
the column foot and pedestal, while for the prefabricated columns, horizontal cracks appear
above the sleeve, and then develop into diagonal cracks, and finally, many cracks with large
width form within the range of height of 300 mm above the column foot.
(3) The horizontal load-displacement curves of the prefabricated columns are basically the same
with those of the cast-in-situ columns. The energy-dissipation capacity and ductility of
the prefabricated columns are better than those of the cast-in-situ columns. Furthermore,
the load-carrying capability of the prefabricated columns is lower than that of the cast-in-situ
columns, whereas their stiffness degradation is slower than that of the cast-in-situ columns.

Acknowledgments: Financial support from the National Key Research and Development Program of China
(2016YFC0701101) is highly appreciated. This work is also supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for
the Central Government Supported Universities. The support from Shanghai Livable Building Science and
Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai Science and Technology Committee, and Shanghai Vanke Real Estate Co. Ltd. are
also appreciated.
Author Contributions: Zheng Lu conceived the experiments and wrote the paper; Zixin Wang performed the
experiments and analyzed the data; Jianbao Li proposed the method, conceived and designed the experiments,
and revised the paper; Biao Huang helped to analyze the experimental data and revised the paper.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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