Nonlinear finite analysis of loading transfered from reinforced precast concrete columns to smooth interfaced socket bases

Since the beginning of 90s, depending on the growth of the industrial sector in Turkey, the need for more production areas have been emerged, in conjunction to this, factory constructions has been increased. If it is needed to classify the structural systems of industrial buildings, it can be seen that most common used ones are steel and precast concrete systems. The cost of precast concrete buildings is lower than the steel ones and this orients investors to the precast structural systems. Precast concrete structural elements are mostly as strong as not to have damage in the earthquake but weakness of connections between elements causes unexpected damages of structure during earthquake. While looking at the previous researches, it can be seen that there is a lack of investigations about socket type base connections although there were many experimental and analytical studies about the connections of precast structural elements. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the stress transfer mechanism between column and the socket wall with finite element method. For the finite element analysis ANSYS software was used which is commonly used in the academic area. First of all, a finite element model was created which is the simulation of experimental research executed by Canha et al (2004) under vertical and horizontal forces. Results of experimental research and finite element analysis were compared to create a successful simulation of experimental program. After determining the acceptable parameters, models of socket bases were created. Model dimensions were chosen according to square section column sizes 400, 450, 500, 550 and 600mm which were mostly used in industrial buildings. Horizontal and vertical loads were calculated due to the regulations of earthquake code 2007 and TS498. As a result of this study, stress distribution at center section of the models were observed and it is found that the stress had been effected in a triangular distribution at the half of socket bottom and top. Obtained stress distribition type was compared with the distribition offered by the TS9967 and it is seen that the obtained stress distribiton is different than the offered one. Obtained distirubition is triangular at the half although offered by TS9967 is uniform at the 1/3 of socket depth. Also as a result of this study, the design forces given by TS9967, DIN1045, Japan AIJ and Canha et al were compared by the stress values obtained from the computer analysis and a force formulation had been offered to be used in design. The difference between obtained distirubiton and TS9967 offer may be discussed in the future studies to improve Turkey?s precast concrete building regulations.