Wet-joint techniques for the construction of pipe rack structures in remote seismic zones

In this study is presented a technical solution developed for the construction of pipe rack structures in petrochemical plants. It is based on the prefabrication of RC columns and beams connected together in-site by means of a wet-joint. The solution possesses high strength and ductility in the plastic range, simplicity of in-shop fabrication and ease of assembly on site. Experimental tests carried out on reduced scale samples allowed to verify that the structural behaviour of the prefabricated solution is comparable if not better than that of the corresponding cast-in-situ solution and that the proposed solution fulfils the requirement of the relevant ACI standards. The proposed technique allows the economical and reliable realization of monolithic RC frames and a case study of several pipe rack structures in a remote seismic zone has been presented to underline the benefits achievable with this technique in terms of duration and safety of the construction process.