Seismic Design of Unbonded Post-Tensioned Precast Concrete Walls with Vertical Joint Connectors

An investigation of seismic design of precast concrete wall panels that have been connected along vertical joints with ductile connectors is presented. The panels are also connected to the foundations along horizontal joints by using unbonded post-tensioning steel. The objectives of this study are (1) to derive closed-form expressions for the base shear roof displacement capacities of unbonded post tensioned precast concrete walls and (2) to propose a design approach that relates wall capacities to code-specified design demands. Study results will also apply to walls with different numbers of panels and different panel sizes.