Precast Shear Wall Connections

[Cementum]

Does anyone have any experience with designing Precast Shear wall connections? I am especially interested in being able to design the vertical and horizontal joint connectors in segmented precast shear walls.


Furthermore, what are the pros and cons of using braided steel loop connections vs. welded inserts for the vertical joint connectors?

 

[scubthebub]

I just worked on a two story office building that used precast shearwalls. One of our engineers had a problem with shrinkage of the concrete panels. So to connect the panels for transfering overturning shear forces we embeded a steel plate with welded studs into each end of the panels. We specified styrofoam inserts at the face of the panels so the final condition would be a flush connection. After the panels have cured we weld a steel plate that spans the joint to each of the embeded plates. The weld looks like []. The pain in this connection is all the Appendix D calcs needed, but it's good practice. good luck.