Cyclic Loading Test for Precast Columns Using Slag-Based Concrete and Sleeve Splices

Slag-based zero-cement concrete (ZC) of high strength (60 MPa [8.70 ksi]) was developed as an eco-friendly construction mate-rial. In the present study, to investigate the structural behavior of precast columns using ZC, cyclic loading tests were performed for five column specimens with reinforcement details of ordinary moment frames. Longitudinal reinforcement was connected by sleeve splices at the precast column-footing joint. The test param-eters included the concrete type (portland cement-based normal concrete [NC] versus ZC), construction method (monolithic versus precast), longitudinal reinforcement ratio, and sleeve size. The test results showed that the structural performance (failure mode, strength, stiffness, energy dissipation, and deformation capacity) of the precast ZC columns was comparable to that of the monolithic NC and precast NC columns, and the tested strengths agreed with the nominal strengths calculated by ACI 318-19. These results indicate that current design codes for cementitious materials and sleeve splice of longitudinal reinforcement are applicable to the design of precast ZC columns.