THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MECHANICAL JOINTS AND THE PERFORMANCE OF REINFORCEMENT CONCRETE WALL MEMBER

Abstract

 In constructing RC wall structures such as a box culvert, placing mechanical joints in the same section is considered efficient in enhancing productivity. Previous research shows that by placing mechanical joints in the same section of the plastic hinge zone improves the deformation performance of the member. However, the relationship between the characteristics of the mechanical joints and the performance of RC wall member has not been clarified. This report shows deformation performance and crack properties of a full scale sized wall member tested under cyclic seismic loading using mechanical joints classified as “SA”, “A”, “B”, “C” by Japan Society of Civil Engineers. As a result, it was observed that the specimen using mechanical joints of Class B’ or above improves the performance of the wall members compared to the specimen without joints.