Considering the mechanical characteristics of concrete components under low-cyclic loadings, the definition of tension-compression plastic hinge length was put forward. Through low-cyclic loading tests, the characteristics of plastic hinges of new precast beam-column connections with U-shaped shells and anchored bottom longitudinal bars in beams were studied, and experimental results of tension-compression plastic hinge length were obtained. Based on the Panagiotakos model, a modified plastic hinge length model was proposed, involving local confinement of concrete, prefabricating details and reinforcement ratios. The results show that the tension-compression plastic hinge length can reflect the damage of plastic hinge regions under low-cyclic loadings. The plastic hinges of precast beam-column connections with U-shaped shells and anchored bottom longitudinal bars in beams have some minor difference from monolithic connections. The modified plastic hinge length model can be used to well evaluate the tension-compression plastic hinge length of this connection. © 2019, Editorial Office of Journal of Building Structures. All right reserved.