Analysis of Beam—Column Joint with Wedge Effect

Abstract

This paper presents the study of the behavior of a precast continuous beam-column joint that bases its structural work on the friction by wedge effect. It was used in an industrialized social buildings system with excellent performance and is intended to extend its use to architectural programs for residential buildings, which requires the study of the behavior of the beam-column joint. A computational model calibrated against full-scale test results, based on finite element method (FEM) implemented in the software Abaqus, is used. The present paper aims to evaluate the influence of the geometrical and physical-mechanical parameters on the deformational state of the joint. The geometrical parameters are inclination of the column faces and beam ribs that shape the wedge, and the number of slots on these faces, which contribute to the transmission of bending moments of the joint. The physical-mechanical parameters are the axial load on the column and the compressive strength of the concrete of the wedge that joins the beam and the column. To evaluate this influence, the absolute and relative vertical displacements between the beam and the wedge and the lateral displacement experienced by the wedge are determined, and the statistical analysis of the results are included. The influence of the inclination of the column depression, beam rib faces, and the number of slots on these faces in the development of the wedge effect of the joint is demonstrated. The results also demonstrate the positive influence of the increase in axial load on the development of the wedge effect as well as the need not to use a concrete with a compressive strength greater than 20 MPa in the wedge.