Experimental results of eight-scale model precast concrete beam-to-column connections are presented. The test specimens consisted of interior connections designed in accordance with the 1985 Uniform Building Code provisions for Seismic Zones 2 and 4. These tests constitute the second and third phases of a multi-year test program being conducted at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The objective of the test program is to develop guidelines for an economical precast beam-tocolumn connection for regions of high seismicity. Variables considered in the research program include location of the post-tensioning steel, the use of post-tensioning bars vs. prestressing strands and fully bonded vs. partially bonded strands. Specimens were subjected to reversed cyclic loading according to a prescribed displacement history. Comparisons were made between the behavior of precast concrete specimens and the monolithic specimens tested previously in Phase I. These comparisons were based on connection strength, ductility and energy dissipation characteristics. Comparison of results with the monolithic test specimens indicates that the post-tensioned precast concrete specimens had comparable connection strengths, higher ultimate displacement ductilities and total energy dissipation to failure, but lower energy dissipation per cycle.
