Comparative Study on Seismic Performance Between Improved Joint with Steel-Strand-Embedded Anchorage and SCOPE Joint

The structure comprising precast prestressed concrete components (SCOPE joint) is widely used in prefabricated buildings. For this type of joint, insufficient anchorage of U-shaped reinforcing bars can lead to premature core failure. To address this, finite element models of SCOPE joints are developed in ABAQUS for parametric and mechanical analysis of U-shaped bars, and an improved joint with steel-strand-embedded anchorage is proposed. Comparisons of seismic performance and frame performance are conducted. The results indicate that in the conventional SCOPE joint, the strain of the U-shaped reinforcing bars concentrates within 100–150 mm outside the column, and the anchorage effect of the vertical segments is not mobilized; the yield penetration phenomenon further aggravates bond failure. In the improved joint, steel strands are anchored into the core and lapped in opposite directions, leading to a superior failure mechanism and plastic hinge formation sequence, enhanced capacity and ductility, and better conforming to the strong-joint–weak-component principle. This research offers a theoretical basis and detailing reference for seismic optimization of the SCOPE system.