Abstract
The use of precast structures on civil construction has increased due its speed and efficiency, as so of the technological control. Due to the frequent use of this technique, studies are necessary to better understand these structures, between the corbel and the column for example. It is known that the connections are a critical point in design. This paper origins due of a reinforced concrete structure failure (corbel), occurred in Foz do Iguaçu city – Paraná State, and consequently the structural collapse of the elements supported by it. Thus, the main objective of the experimental study was to create two prototypes in order to simulate the existent vertical load to corbels and their resistance. The prototypes differ in rebars details, one of them with the correct reinforcement by design and the other with the existent details found on the site. After carrying out both experimental tests, it was shown that the erroneous details caused the failure, it does not allow the adequate transmission of the forces from the corbels to the pillar. The failure mechanism was also determined for both prototypes and it was shown that the corbel found in site had a fragile collapse, not leaving any chance of survival for the victims.