Large panel structures are constructed of prefabricated wall panel and floor slab that are connected by insitu horizontal and vertical joints. The performance of such structures is primarily dependent on the efficiency of the joints in transmitting shear and tension force between the panels. Generally, the joints are much flexible than the panels because of the micro crack in joint concrete and the difference in shrinkage between the insitu joints and the wall panels. The local behavior of joints have large effects on the structural response. Therefore, it is desirable to consider effects of these joints in the analysis of these structures.
An efficient model of Large Panel Precast structure is proposed in this study. The proposed model can reduce computational time and memory size by using the assumption of the rigid floor diaphragm and the matrix condensation technique. The vertical joints are modeled with bilinear shear spring element to account for joint deformation. The present model requires simpler input data preparation than a finite element model does.
Analysis results such as displacements and natural periods by proposed model are compared with those obtained using 3-D finite element model. Results from those two models are good agreement and it is confirmed that the proposed model can predict the behavior of P.C. structures in an acceptable range.
