Seismic response of columns connected to thefoundation through a fastening technique

The column to foundation connection system described in this research has been developed to be considered as an effective alternative of the use of traditional precast pocket foundations. This system is based on the mechanical connection between steel shoes embedded into the column base and protruding anchor bolts anchored into the foundation. The use of nuts and washers attached to the anchor bolts permits to control the vertical position, the height level of the column and the fixity of the connection. An additional injection of cement mortar into the void below the column (Fig. 1a) is required to complete the construction of the system. The stress transfer from the anchor bolts – steel shoes system is based on a couple of longitudinal bars welded at the top of each shoe and on additional overlapped bars, which represent the steel reinforcement of the column (Fig. 1b). Further details are to be considered in order to prevent the effects due to the eccentricity between the anchor bolt and the longitudinal bars, to improve the strength of the bottom part of the column and to tie effectively the longitudinal bars (Fig. 1c).

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