Abstract
This paper evaluates nonlinear response characteristics of precast concrete frame buildings. where plastics hinging occurs in the precast connection. Designs were developed for buildings of 5, 10 and 15 stories in hight for moderate seismic risk regions of the U. S. The responses of the buildings were analyzed using DRAIN-2DX and following Nonlinear static analysis procedure of ATC 19. The main variables of the analyses were the strength and stiffness of the connection. Also, for the analysis, the bi-linear response model, developed and inserted into the DRAIN-2DX program by Shan Shi and D. Fouch, was used. With the results of analysis, the deformation demands of the connection of precast concrete frame buildings are proposed by using equal-dissipated energy capacity. It was shown that the strength of the buildings as well as their displacement capacities decreased with the decrease of either the strength or stiffness in the connections. Therefore such changes also require reductions in the response modification factors for such buildings. However, if the precast concrete frame building has plastic hinging in the connection, and has a more ductile connection than the monolithic frame building, then no reduction in R may be necessary. The deformation demand required of the connection to achieve that condition is evaluated and a simple relation is suggested in the paper.
