Experimental Investigation of the Mechanical Behaviour of Wall–Beam–Strut Joints for Prefabricated Underground Construction

Abstract Prefabricated construction is becoming increasingly prevalent, however, it rarely applied in underground constructions, except for tunnel linings, due to the difficulties that arise jointing various prefabricated components conditions. To solve vertical location problem of embedded mechanical couplers during wall–beam–strut joints a metro station, new connection using welded steel plates proposed. In this paper, four full-scale specimens connected and were experimentally tested under monotonic low-reversed cyclic loading The testing results analysed terms ultimate bearing capacity, failure mode, hysteresis, skeleton curve, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation strain reinforcement bars. Notably, two kinds had similar capacities modes, but crack distributions on tops waler beams different. For with plate connection, tensile horizontal cracks first appeared top surface beam, where was located, then coalesced gradually; cracking pattern not observed experimental test couplers. Furthermore, determined ductility better than those coupler joint, because could redistribute internal force joint increase stiffness. It concluded proposed be more favourable station Guangzhou. Moreover, obtained from these experiments provide guidelines corresponding connections employed underground-prefabricated structures.