Study on mechanical behavior and optimization of prefabricated square column H-beam outer-shell joint

In order to study the mechanical behavior of prefabricated square column H-beam outer-shell joint, outer-shell joint were designed and tested under monotonic loading. According to the test results, failure mode was revealed and load-displacement hysteretic curves were obtained. The experimental results show that the deformation from of prefabricated square column H-beam outer-shell joint was tearing at the position of stiffening rib under monotonic loading, and load-displacement hysteretic curves were smooth. Based on the test, static elasto-plastic analysis of specimen was completed with the use of finite element software. The influences of the quantity of stiffening rib, the length of stiffening rib and the quantity of connector orifices on the joint mechanical behavior were tested. Research results show that numerical analysis results and experimental results are almost the same. The outer-shell joint with double stiffening rib, lengthening of stiffening ribs, and opening three rows of holes on the connector has the maximum loading capacity and the ductility and energy consumption are moderate, which is the optimal joint of seismic performance.