Experimental investigation of a new precast column-foundation connection under cyclic loading

In the prefabricated industry, socket connection is generally preferred to be used in column foundation connection. In this connection type, the foundations and columns produced in the factory are assembled at the construction site. During the assembly, a wet connection is formed by filling the space between the socket and the column with concrete. Socket connections increase the labor costs by extending the installation time. In addition, adjusting the column balance during installation becomes very important for the superstructure. On the other hand, the use of the wet type of connection complicates installation as to be an active earthquake region of Turkey. An earthquake load that may affect the structure during the installation may cause a total collapse in the structure. Studies are carried out on new connection types for the prefabricated industry all over the world. New connection types are being developed. In this study, a new type of connection in mind that disruptions in the production and assembly processes in Turkey were developed. The proposed connection type was produced by enlarged part of the column cross section from the bottom of the column to a certain height. Anchorage bars on the foundation passed through the holes formed in the enlarged part of the column. The proposed connection type, socket connection, and monolithic connection were tested under cyclic lateral loading. The behavior of the connections was interpreted with the data obtained from the experiments. With the proposed connection, while the lateral load carrying capacity increased slightly, a significant increase was obtained in the energy dissipation capacity. Significant mechanical improvements have been achieved under the effect of lateral load compared to the conventional socket connection.