Suggested Design of Joints and Connections in Precast Structural Concrete

Methods are suggested for the design of joints and connections in precast structural concrete to help assure that all joints and connections perform their function, at all stages of loading, without overstress and with proper factors of safety to guard against failure due to overload. The recommendations are intended to apply to joints and connections between precast members, between precast members and cast-in-place concrete members, and between precast members and structural steel members. It is recommended that joints and connections occur at logical locations in the structure, and, when practical, at points that may be most readily analyzed and most easily reinforced. Precautions should be made to avoid connection and joint details that would result in stress concentrations and resulting in spalling or splitting of members at contact surfaces. Liberal chamfers, steel edged corners, adequate reinforcement, and cushioning materials are a few of the means by which such stress concentrations may be avoided or provided for. The committee decries the scarcity of research and test data concerning precast concrete connections.