Acta Technica Napocensis: Civil Engineering & Architecture

Enhancing Seismic Performance of Precast Concrete Structures through Novel Beam-to-Column Connections

2023-09-02T06:21:04+00:00

Precast concrete structures, despite their growing popularity and numerous advantages, face challenges related to structural continuity disruption, which significantly impacts seismic design. Existing dowel connections, which should remain elastic during seismic events, often form partial failure mechanisms due to plastic deformations, thereby diminishing the assumed dissipative potential of the structure. Past research has highlighted the inefficiency of the two-dowel connection system in providing sufficient capacity for achieving column failure under cyclic loads, a key dissipative mechanism for inverted pendulum systems. Hence, there is a compelling need to improve the behaviour of beam-to-column connections in seismically active areas. This research proposes a new connection solution that offers substantial capacity improvements over the conventional dowel connection. The capacity of the proposed connection was evaluated against results derived from calibrated finite element models based previous experimental data. Furthermore, the unique configuration of the connection provides possibility for further enhancements, with individual elements adjustable to optimize efficiency. The findings support the potential of the proposed connection as a viable alternative.

Finite element modelling of a beam to column dowel connection calibrated on experimental data

2023-09-02T06:24:01+00:00

This paper investigates the failure mechanism of beam to column dowel connections for precast structures under lateral loads. Cantilever columns tied together with beams through steel dowels have been commonly used for many years, particularly in Europe. However, the structural behaviour and dissipative capabilities of these systems are not fully understood. To address these aspects large-scale experiments were conducted through monotonic loading by using a common beam-to-column dowel assembly. Additionally, the study aims to provide a comprehensive finite element analysis calibrated versus the experimental data. These calibrated models replicate the experimental results and provide additional information on the behaviour of the beam to column dowel connections. The results of this research demonstrate that these connections are a weak point that determines the premature failure of the assembly. The calibrated finite element models were able to reproduce the observed failure mechanism and provide in-depth information which was not possible to record during testing. The findings of this study suggest that design considerations and procedures for these connections should be improved.

A View On Regionally Conditioned Sprawling Developments Set Against the Theoretical Model

2023-09-02T06:12:36+00:00

Following on the footsteps of the term sprawl through the efforts of deliniation and clarifiying
undertaken in literature, while also looking at some of the various regional evidences of disperse urban
growth across Europe, the article underlines the often regionally specific outcomes of this model of
land development. These correlate with more than just the globally present set of conditions associated
with sprawling developments, and in fact in spite of significant differences in the selection of these
conditions, similar outcomes point to the importance of other regional peculiarities.