Title: New Zealand Tests on Full-Scale Reinforced Concrete Beam-Column-Slab Subassemblages Designed for Earthquake Resistance

Author(s): PC. Cheung, T Paulay, and R. Park

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 123

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1-38

Keywords: beams (supports]; capacity, columns (supports]; cyclic loads; ductility; earthquake-resistant structures; frames; hinges (structural); joints (junctions); reinforced concrete; slabs; tests

DOI: 10.14359/10258

Date: 1/1/1991

Abstract:
As part of a United States/New Zealand/Japan/China collaborative research project, interior and exterior beam-column joint subassemblages with floor slabs of prototype two-way and one-way reinforced concrete building frames were designed for earthquake resistance using the current New Zealand concrete design code, NZS 3101:1982. Three full-scale subassemblages as designed were constructed and tested under quasi-static cyclic loading which simulated severe earthquake actions. The overall performance of each subassemblage during the tests was satisfactory in terms of strength and ductility. The joint core and column remained essentially undamaged while plastic hinges formed in the beams. The strong column-weak beam behaviour sought in the design, desirable in tall ductile frames designed for earthquake resistance, was therefore achieved. Although the joint cores of the subassemblages remained in the elastic range, joint core shear deformations contributed significantly to the interstorey drifts. Also, a significant proportion of the slab bars in tension contributed to the negative moment flexural strength of the beams. The performance of the one-way joint was superior to the performance of the two way joints.