OPTIMISATION OF BEAM-COLUMN CONNECTIONS IN PRECAST CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

This investigation deals with the structural optimization of precast beam to column connections. It presents an up-to-date and most effective method for precast connection in terms of stability and load carrying capacity in response to meet the growing interest of optimization in structural engineering field. Dry connections considered in this investigation are: Hidden Connection, Visible Connection and Connection with Corbel. Models for the precast connections are generated and are analysed with the help of computer aided software ANSYS 14.5. The precast connections are subjected to point loading and controlled reverse cyclic loading at the beam end. The results obtained from the analysis are graphically compared to get the most efficient method of precast connection in terms of maximum displacement, stress generated, strength, hysteretic behaviour and stiffness degradation. The best precast connection determined is then structurally optimised to increase its efficiency.