Experimental study on the structural efficiency of L-shaped p.c. beams in multi-storey prefabricated buildings

An experimental investigation on two beam-column joints and on a prestressed L-shaped beam of a prefabricated structural system for multi-storey buildings was carried out. The study was aimed to evaluate the resistance and the ductility of the joint and the structural efficiency of a prestressed L-shaped beam loaded on the flange by TT floor elements. The tests were carried out on full scale specimens using experimental apparatus able to confidently represent the actual restraints and loading conditions. The tests carried out on beam-column joints evidence a significantly greater joint capacity, with respect to that evaluated theoretically, and a good joint ductility. The bending test on the prestressed L-shaped beam evidences good structural efficiency; some attention is needed to avoid the collapse by punching of the bottom flange caused by the concentrated load of the rib of TT floor elements.