This paper presents a comprehensive review of demountable connections in precast concrete frame structures, as a key strategy for the potential reuse of structural elements. The focus is placed on dry and semi-dry joints, which allow relatively simple assembly and disassembly. The paper systematically examines connection solutions for beam-to-column joints, column-to-foundation joints, and column-to-column joints, describing their mechanical devices, force-transfer mechanisms, and typical failure modes. The proposed solutions differ in complexity, construction time, and the amount of steel components used. The review shows that, in certain cases, fully demountable precast joints can achieve adequate resistance and performance comparable to monolithic joints. The most connection solutions demonstrated limited reuse possibilities of precast elements. Only a few studies have experimentally investigated the behaviour of joints in the second life cycle of fully reused precast elements, comparable to that of original joints. Although significant effort was made to identify optimal solutions, their widespread implementation in construction practice will require comprehensive experimental and numerical research focusing on repeated assembly-disassembly cycles and system-level behaviour, as well as their integration into design standards and practical guidelines.
Vidović et al. (Thu,) studied this question.