Evaluation of the seismic behavior-based FE analysis of steel box connectors in precast column–beam joints

Abstract

The performance of precast components is greatly influenced by the behavior of their joints. This study investigated the use of steel box connectors to connect precast column–beam components, focusing on structural seismic performance through experimental testing and numerical simulation. Full-scale specimens with and without steel box connectors were tested under cyclic loading. The results showed that steel box connectors significantly improved the joint behavior, improving the structural strength by 6.18% and ductility by 1.26 times, while also providing flexibility, ease of installation and maintenance. The specimens with connectors showed slower failure progression and improved earthquake survivability compared to specimens without connectors, which failed rapidly with diagonal cracks. The connectors themselves remained undamaged throughout the testing. In particular, the 30 mm thick steel box provides the best balance between strength and ductility, making it the optimal solution for precast column–beam joints. © 2025 Institution of Structural Engineers