LAUSR

Abstract Conventional and pre-stressed precast reinforced concrete slabs are usually affected by severe damage induced by earthquakes. The repair of damaged slabs may compromise the resilience capacity of the structure. To overcome this drawback, this study introduces a new type of precast pre-stressed beam-to-column joint that prevents slab damage even under severe earthquakes. The connection between the slab and beam was made by using uplift-restricted slip-free rebar; contact surfaces between beam, column, and slab were smoothed to minimize interface friction. Deformation patterns of the proposed joint were analytically investigated and compared with those of a beam-to-column joint with conventional connection with the slab. Two 0.6-scale specimens were designed, the first with conventional beam–slab connection and the second with the proposed one, and tested under quasi-static conditions. Enhanced seismic behavior of the developed joint was demonstrated by results of seismic performance of these two specimens in terms of crack development, maximum bearing capacity, energy dissipation, and rebar strain. The proposed connection prevented damage in the slab up to a drift ratio equal to 1/18.