Seismic performance of prefabricated beam-to-column joint with replaceable energy-dissipating steel hinge

This study presents a novel energy-dissipating prefabricated joint for connecting beam to column in precast frame structure. The joints are characterized by replaceable steel hinge and tube confined core, providing advantages concrete reinforced frames, such as complete assembly, damage control, maintainability of the structure after an earthquake. hysteretic behavior proposed was studied through two tests. First, full-scale tested under cyclic loading until failure. On basis initial test, only four weakened dissipaters hinges were replaced second test conducted investigate restorable functional characteristics joints. For comparison, reference monolithic also tested. experimental results demonstrate that beam-to-column displayed excellent performance, corresponding joint, load-bearing, energy dissipation, deformation capacity improved. concentrated on hinges, indicating failure mode degree can be controlled. In exhibited similar first test; however, stiffness slightly lower. Therefore, meet replaceability requirement achieve satisfactory function recovery