A Simplified Finite Element Model of Grouted Duct Connections in Precast Reinforced Concrete Walls

Grouted duct connections are widely used in load-bearing precast reinforced concrete walls in low-to-moderate seismicity regions. Past research has made some efforts to investigate the mechanical properties and localised bond-slip behaviour of this type of connection by uniaxial pullout tests. However, bond stress-slip models proposed in these studies show some variance. Hence, using a bond model reliably, based solely on these experimental results, to numerically simulate the seismic behaviour of reinforced concrete precast walls with these connections is questionable. Aiming to bridge this knowledge gap, this research compares the applications of various bond stress-slip models developed in previous experimental studies for the numerical simulation of grouted duct connections in precast walls and highlights the significance of using a reasonable bond model for these precast elements. A simplified approach for finite element analyses of precast reinforced concrete walls with grouted dowels is proposed to investigate the nonlinear monotonic lateral force-displacement behaviour of these precast walls. The finite element model is validated against experimental data from an existing test in the literature. Some preliminary results are discussed in this paper. More numerical simulations and laboratory tests will be conducted in future studies to further validate the proposed modelling approach.