Seismic behaviour and restoring force model of a novel prefabricated element precast concrete frame

Prefabricated concrete (PC) frame structures have been widely applied in recent years for numerous advantages, but there are still problems such as the structural integrity and seismic performance may be weakened due to some connection positions are arranged in areas with high force. Therefore, a novel prefabricated element precast concrete frame (PEPCF) is proposed in this study, and the corresponding connection positions are optimized to enhance the seismic behaviour. A comparative quasi-static cyclic experimental research is performed on the seismic behaviour of two novel PEPCFs with different beam connection locations and a conventional cast-in-place (CIP) frame. The rationality of the innovative assembly pattern for the PEPCFs is verified, and it is proven to be beneficial for seismic resistance. The test findings reveal that the PEPCFs demonstrate good seismic performance, and that they outperform the CIP frame from the perspective of 3.41 %–5.68 % higher load bearing capacity, 38.19 %–41.75 % greater ductility and 45.09 %–58.38 % superior secant stiffness at yield point. Furthermore, it is concluded that the novel PEPCFs of which the beam connection location is 1.5 h ( h is the beam height) from the beam end has slightly improved seismic performance in terms of 2.20 % higher load bearing capacity and 2.58 % greater ductility, compared with the beam connection location was 1.0 h from the beam end, and this may be attributed to the connection position which is relatively farther from the plastic hinge areas. Then, the restoring force model (RFM) of the novel PEPCFs is established and verified on the base of the experimental results. It suggests that the established four-linear RFM with stiffness and strength deterioration as well as pinching effect can predict the hysteretic behaviours of the novel PEPCFs. Therefore, the results of this study can provide valuable insights and technical guidance for promoting the transformation and upgrading of traditional construction industry and the development of PC structures. • A novel prefabricated element precast concrete frame (PEPCF) is proposed. • Cyclic loading tests are performed on 1/2-scale two-story frame specimens. • Seismic behaviour of the PEPCFs with different beam connection locations are compared. • The restoring force model (RFM) of the PEPCFs is established and verified. • The RFM considers stiffness and strength deterioration as well as pinching effect.