Abstract:
The use of precast concrete flooring systems is widespread within New Zealand and there has been a significant amount of research undertaken in recent years to investigate their seismic performance. Support connections for precast concrete floor units are subjected to earthquake induced deformations, including a relative rotation between the unit and support beam and a pull-off effect caused by beam elongation. Based on previous testing, recommended support connection details for precast hollow-core floor units are given in NZS 3101:2006. However, the building code verification method (B1/VM1) limits the use of this recommended detail to hollow-core units with a depth of 300 mm or less. Hollow-core units with a depth of 400 mm (400HC) are currently being produced in New Zealand and experimental testing is required to verify the seismic performance of these 400HC units with existing support connection details. An experimental program was initiated to investigate the seismic performance of current support connection details for 400HC floor units. A test setup was developed to subject the hollow-core support connection to deformations simulating seismic actions in a building in addition to gravitational loading. The first two tests have been completed, and it was observed that the connection details provided an adequate level of performance under the application of seismic actions.