Numerical study on the flexural rigidity of prefabricatedlightweight concrete beam-column joints

In this numerical study, the rigid behavior of prefabricated beam-column joints has beeninvestigated. Due to the criticality of lateral loads in seismic zones, the ductility, strength,and energy absorption of prefabricated rigid joints are crucial. Lightweight concrete is acommon material in prefabricated concrete structures because of its advantages, such aseasy formwork and transportation, as well as quick execution. Therefore, this studyinvestigates the effect of lightweight concrete on the flexural rigidity of prefabricated beamcolumnjoints. Furthermore, this study evaluates other significant factors in prefabricatedstructures, including the integrity of the concrete-rebar connection and preventing rebarslippage. In this study, Abaqus software was employed to model lightweight concreteconstructed from Leca (Light Expanded Clay Aggregate) and low strength grout. Thepresent numerical study analyzes eight numerical models with the same geometry, butdifferent materials and joints. In this set of models, two of them are without couplers, and therest are pinned with couplers in a beam-column joint. This study concludes that the effect oflightweight concrete on the joint is negligible. Additionally, grout significantly affects thejoint zone. By variation in the strength of grout in the joint zone, the ductility and strength ofthe structure are directly affected.

Keywords:

Prefabricated concrete , Lightweight concrete , Beam-column joint , Cyclic load , Joint zonegrout