Innovative Seismic Solutions for Precast Structures: Experimental and Numerical Studies on Beam–Column Joints

This study presents a novel structural framing solution designed to improve seismic energy dissipation and limit displacements, aiming to serve as an effective alternative to traditional precast systems employing pendulum-based isolation. While pendulum mechanisms mitigate seismic forces by decoupling the superstructure from ground motion, they are typically characterized by high implementation costs, mechanical complexity, and post-event maintenance challenges. In contrast, the proposed approach integrates seismic performance enhancements within the structural frame itself, removing the dependency on external isolation components. The system leverages a combination of pinned and semi-rigid beam-to-column joints that are tailored for use within dry precast construction technologies. These connection types not only support rapid and labor-efficient assembly but also, when properly detailed, offer robust hysteretic behavior and deformation control under dynamic loading. The research includes both experimental testing and numerical simulations focused on the cyclic response of these connections, enabling a comprehensive understanding of their role in dissipating energy and delaying damage progression. Recognizing the industry’s frequent emphasis on construction speed and upfront cost-efficiency, often at the cost of long-term reparability, this work introduces an alternative framework that emphasizes resilience without compromising construction practicality. The resulting system demonstrates improved post-earthquake functionality and reduced downtime, making it a promising and economically viable option for seismic applications in precast construction. This advancement supports current trends toward performance-based design and enhances the structural reliability of dry-assembled systems in seismic regions.