Precast Beam Splice (Beam to Beam Connection)

The connection: Why is it considered, what are the common issues and how is it verified?

Reasons why this type of connection is used.

• Off-site manufacturing for high level of quality and optimize material usage and reduce wastage.
• Constructability and speed of installation (curing period for connection is not required on site).
• Improved safety on-site reducing the need for working at height.
• Flexibility in construction which allows for phased construction or adaptation to site-constraints.
• Cost-saving as falsework is not required during construction.

Common problems encountered when designing this connection.

• Absence of programs with the capability to design such connections leading to time-consuming manual calculation.
• Guess-work in design assumption leading to conservative design.
• Load transfer uncertainties due to discrepancies between design assumptions and real-world behavior.
• Design and code-check of anchoring not considering reinforcement which potentially lead to use oversized cross-sections.
• Modeling not according to actual condition.

How is it verified?

• Structural analysis by the used of sophisticated software like IDEA StatiCa, engineers can perform calculations using CBFEM method and verify the load transfer across the splice, ensuring it meets strengths, stiffness and stability requirements under relevant loading conditions.
• Code-compliance to global standards such as Eurocodes and American codes and other applicable local codes.
• By prototype and testing mock-ups to validate the performance under simulated loads.

Enter IDEA StatiCa connection. In this article, we will briefly illustrate how IDEA StatiCa Connection and Detail application can streamline the process of the designing the connection of precast beam splice as well as its anchoring for enhance efficiency and optimized design results.

Why use IDEA StatiCa

IDEA StatiCa connection application offers limitless capabilities for modeling intricate joint connections, and when combined with the Detail application, you will have a complete design tool that offers comprehensive solution for both steel and concrete design projects.

Modeling Strategy

By utilizing connection application, the approach to modeling this type of connection is to focus on one side of the joint where we will consider the precast beam to be represented by a concrete block. The other side of the precast, we will represent it with a steel beam just for the sole purpose of applying the loads (as it is not possible to apply loads into a concrete block in connection application in the current version). As the joint connection is symmetrical, the distribution of the internal forces as well as the stresses to the plates would be the same on the opposite side represented by the steel beam.

Modeling of the Joint Connection
Modeling of the joint is done in IDEA StatiCa connection application, where various analysis can be performed such as stress-strain, buckling, stiffness, capacity design, joint design resistance, fatigue, fire resistance and horizontal tying.

Once code-check is performed, result summary can be viewed instantly as it is vividly displayed in the graphic window beside the model. Under check tab, end-users have the option to display the FE analysis results in the graphic window such as equivalent stress, plastic strain, stress in contacts, stress in concrete as wells as the bolt forces. In this illustration, the result for the anchor check is failing.

Export Connection to 3D Detail for anchor verification
3D Detail application is used for further verification of anchoring considering concrete reinforcement. In this application, end-users have the option to display results of various code-checks such as strength of concrete and reinforcement as well as anchorage.

Verification of results
Most importantly, structural report complete with detailed calculation and colorful visualization can be generated and is customizable to specific requirements which significantly assist when reviewed by authorities and/or checking agencies.

Summary

IDEA Statica is an essential tool for structural engineers due to its advanced capabilities in analyzing and designing connections and structural components with precision and efficiency. Its user-friendly interface streamlines complex tasks, allowing engineers to quickly generate accurate models and perform detailed calculations, which saves valuable time in project delivery.

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^{Photo of precast concrete construction for inspiration of this modeling is captured from internet in courtesy to MASS Engineering Center. The modeling done here does not represent the actual usage and its reinforcement in the photo.}