Behavior of Precast RC Columns With Embedded Steel Tube‐Endplate Bolt Connections Under Low Cyclic Reversed Loading

ABSTRACT This study proposes a novel embedded steel tube end‐plate bolted connection method for prestressed reinforced concrete (RC) column joints to address the common issues of bolt slippage and concrete cracking observed in traditional precast concrete (PC) structural joints under seismic loading. By embedding a steel tube to enhance shear resistance and optimize moment transfer, the proposed method improves joint performance. A comprehensive numerical simulation was conducted to investigate the mechanical behavior and failure modes, with key parameters such as axial compression ratio, material strength, and structural dimensions analyzed. The results demonstrate that the proposed connection exhibits excellent seismic performance. The failure mode is characterized by the formation of continuous plastic hinges at the embedded joint in the upper column and the base of the lower column, involving concrete compression failure and full‐section yielding of longitudinal reinforcement. Parameter analysis indicates that an increasing axial compression ratio from 0.1 to 0.5 reduces the displacement ductility coefficient by 24.0% while bearing capacity varies < 5%, highlighting ductility degradation as the dominant risk under high axial loads. While enhancing the strength of component materials improves load‐carrying capacity by 3.7%–12.4%, it also leads to a reduction in ductility and energy dissipation. Variations in bolt preload exert < 5% influence on load capacity, stiffness, and energy dissipation, confirming their role in ensuring joint integrity rather than load resistance. This research provides a theoretical basis and optimization direction for the seismic design of precast RC column joints, offering significant implications for promoting the application of prefabricated buildings in high‐intensity seismic regions.