Performance of dowel beam-to-column connections for precast concrete systems under seismic loads: A review

Structural connection systems are a major challenge for precast construction systems. A dowel system requires designers to have sound knowledge of the fundamental requirements for seismic loads. In addition, it is important to consider unforeseen impact loads to prevent buildings from collapsing in the event of an earthquake. At present, the available building codes does not offer a complete design and analysis requirements for beam-to-column connection systems. Thus, this article provides researchers with a comprehensive review of the literature of the dowel precast beam-column connections. The key areas covered in this review are as follows: (1) studies on the behaviour of precast dowel beam-column connection systems in earthquake-prone areas; (2) studies on the design and development of precast dowel connection elements; (3) an evaluation of the effect parameters in precast connection systems and (4) a determination of the appropriate precast beam-to-column connections for seismic loads. The strength, ductility, energy dissipation, rotation and plastic hinges of joints in critical regions were considered in order to evaluate the performance of the dowel connection system.