Residual Capacity of Post-Tensioned Precast Concrete Structures Under Column Removal Scenarios at Large Deformation Stage

It is widely accepted that precast reinforced concrete (RC) often has low ductility due to joint-related issues, and post-tensioned (PT) tendons are also typically made from low-ductile materials. On the other hand, many studies have revealed that load-resisting mechanisms at a large deformation stage, such as tensile membrane action (TMA) in slabs and catenary action (CA) in beams, play a crucial role in resisting a column removal scenario. This raises a research question that how can post-tensioned precast concrete (PTPC) structures mobilize TMA and CA under a column removal scenario? In this context, this paper presents an experimental investigation into the resilience capacity of PTPC sub-structures with wet-connection joints subjected to different column removal scenarios at a large deformation stage. The test results showed that a long parabolic PT tendon exhibited excellent ductility, outperforming normal high-strength reinforcement in supporting applied loads. This ductility facilitated the development of TMA in slabs and CA in beams, thereby significantly enhancing the resistance capacity of PTPC sub-structures.