Nodal dissipative devices for seismic protection of precast RC structures

The low seismic performance level of precast reinforced concrete (RC) structures mainly de-pends on inadequate connections between structural elements. Seismic capacity of precast RC structures can be improved inserting dissipative devices in the nodes between structural elements. With reference to a new conception dissipative device named Joint Torsional Dissipative Device (JTDD) design abaci that represent the main correlations between the geometric and mechanical characteristics of the device are proposed. The design abaci constitute an operative tool that can be used to rapidly determine the optimal dimensions of the individual device as functions of the main characteristics of the structural system, e.g. angular rotation at the elastic limit, torsional stiffness and torsional moment at the elastic limit. The construction of the proposed design abaci is performed for a wide range of possible combinations of geometrical quantities characterizing the shape of the nodal devices.