Title: Basic Reinforced Concrete Frame Performance Under Vertical and Lateral Loads

Author(s): George C. Ernst, Gerald M. Smith, Arvin R. Riveland, and Donald N. Pierce

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 70

Issue: 4

Appears on pages(s): 261-269

Keywords: ductility; frames: loads (forces) ; moments; reinforced concrete; reinforcing steels; research; rigid frames; strains; stresses: stress-strain relationships; welding.

DOI: 10.14359/11206

Date: 4/1/1973

Abstract:
Tests on fifteen two-hinged frames investigate the performance of continuous reinforced concrete under vertical and lateral loads. Three steel ratios, three spans, two grades of steel, and two steel stress-strain curves provide an insight to the performance of reinforced concrete frames. Actual redistribution of moments can differ significantly from plastic theory, particularly for reinforcement without a yield plateau. The lack of a yield plateau may have-an advantage in resisting lateral loads. Ductility factors based on lateral displacements of a frame were significantly lower than the flexural unit rotation ductility factors for the critical section. Ultimate lateral resistance and distortion of the frames tested were independent of span length. For the frames subjected to vertical loading only, loads for equivalent stress states were inversely proportional to the length of span. Connection details were extremely important, and tack welding of cages inhibited full development of frame ductility.