Title: Flexural Stiffness of Reinforced Concrete Columns and Beams: Experimental Verification

Author(s): Madhu Khuntia and S. K. Ghosh

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 101

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 364-374

Keywords: beam; column; moment; slender column

DOI: 10.14359/13096

Date: 5/1/2004

Abstract:
The current ACI code (ACI 318-02) provisions on effective stiffnesses of beams and columns have been reviewed in a companion paper, in which simple formulas have been proposed to determine the effective stiffnesses of reinforced concrete columns and beams, based on an analytical parametric study. Analytical axial load-bending moment diagrams of slender columns for a given initial eccentricity (M/P ratio), obtained using the proposed stiffness assumptions, are compared in this paper with numerous published test data and are found to be in good agreement. The proposed stiffness expressions are applicable for all levels of applied loading, including both service and ultimate loads. The analytical and experimental results show that the flexural stiffness assumption in the current ACI code procedure for design of slender columns using the moment magnifier method (Eq. (10-12) and Eq. (10-18)) is extremely conservative. Recommendations are made concerning stiffness assumptions in the analysis of reinforced concrete frames, including frames containing slender columns under lateral loads.