BENDING LOAD TEST OF PRECAST BEAMS CONNECTED WITH DS JOINTS AND PROPOSAL FOR ITS SCOPE OF APPLICATION

Recently, the application of precast beams is increasing for the purpose of labor saving at construction sites. In the past, authors devised a double-square joint (referred to DS joint) as a bar joint structure for precast superstructures of port piers. In this study, bending load tests for DS joint of precast beams were carried out by changing the size of beam section and width/length ratio of square shaped bar in closure area. A practical scope of application for DS joint was proposed by considering the flexural rigidity, bending load capacity, crack behavior and strain distribution in the beam section.