Experimental and numerical studies on design for deconstruction concrete connections: An overview

This article presents an extensive overview of state of the art in design and testing of design for deconstruction concrete connections for concrete elements by reviewing and discussing the results of both experimental and numerical studies in this domain. In particular, characteristics and demonstrated behavior of precast dry beam-to-column concrete connections and beam-to-beam concrete connections that possess certain degree of demountability are critically reviewed. Furthermore, the mechanical behavior and structural performance of various design for deconstruction connections are compared and discussed. The comprehensive review presented in this study highlights considerable potential for minimizing the life cycle impact of buildings, especially with regard to energy and material resources, through application of design for deconstruction systems. The results presented in available literature provide a good degree of assurance with regard to safety and feasibility of implementation of design for deconstruction systems in practice. However, it is also revealed that full-scale tests conducted to evaluate the structural feasibility and construction effectiveness of design for deconstruction concrete connections are limited. Directions for future research are provided by discussing the identified challenges and limitations of design for deconstruction systems for concrete structures.