Abstract Precast concrete frames are widely used in public, residential, and industrial construction. The application of post‐tensioning produces a precast self‐centering concrete frame with enhanced structural integrity and deformation recovery, making it suitable for large‐span and heavy‐duty structures. This paper investigates the seismic performance of a precast self‐centering concrete frame connected by grouted sleeves. The proposed system features T‐shaped composite beams with partially bonded draped tendons and multi‐story columns with unbonded tendons. The seismic performance of two 1/3 large‐scale two‐story two‐span frame structures (self‐centering reinforced concrete frame specimen SCRCF and self‐centering precast concrete frame specimen SCPCF, respectively) is systematically studied through the cyclic loading tests. The results indicate that both frame specimens exhibited a beam hinge failure mechanism; the carrying capacity of SCPCF was 7%–10% higher than that of SCRCF; the ductility of SCPCF, at 3.09, was approximately 33% higher than that of SCRCF, which was 2.33; and the integration of unbonded prestressing tendons in the columns significantly improved the self‐centering performance. Both frame specimens exhibited excellent ductility and energy dissipation, and the stiffness degradation pattern of SCPCF was quite similar to that of SCRCF, evidencing the promising potential of the proposed precast self‐centering concrete frame structure for high‐rise buildings located in seismic zones.
Hu et al. (Thu,) studied this question.