Competence of precast beam column joint incorporating UHPC under cyclic loading

This study explores the use of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) to enhance joint strength in prefabricated concrete structures, addressing challenges posed by rapid construction demands and natural disasters, particularly earthquakes. Joint failures are a key vulnerability, and UHPC, with its superior bond strength, reduces lap splice length and stirrup quantities in connection zones. The study focuses on the cyclic response of UHPC-infused precast beam-column connections, aiming to optimize structural resilience using a "strong connection, weak component" approach. Three precast specimens (PC1, PC2, PC3) with varying lap lengths and stirrup ratios are compared against a monolithic benchmark (ML) to evaluate performance under cyclic loading.