Describes the development of a high energy absorbing joint for precast/prestressed concrete structures in seismic zones. The joint acts as an energy dissipating connector between the beam and column elements. The material of the joint is a high performance fiber reinforced cement composite (HPFRC) matrix. Thirteen joint/ connection specimens were tested with the objectives of devising a reinforcement scheme for locating beam plastic hinges inside HPFRC cast-in-place connections, investigating the effect of different design parameters on the stability of the hysteretic response of the connections, and determining the reduction of transverse reinforcement in the connection by using steel fibers in the connection matrix. The performance of the connection was evaluated in terms of the failure mode, connection strength, displacement and rotation ductilities, connection flexural and shear deformations, energy dissipation, and loss of stiffness due to cyclic loading.