Title: Cyclic Lateral Load Test and the Estimation of Elastic Drift Response of a Full-Scale Three-Story Flat-Plate Structure

Author(s): Damon R. Fick, Mete A. Sozen, and Michael E. Kreger

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 296

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1-14

Keywords: cyclic load, drift response, flat plate, full scale, punching shear, slab-column connection

DOI: 10.14359/51686886

Date: 3/6/2014

Abstract:
The overall earthquake response of flat-plate structures depends on the hysteretic properties of the slab-column connection. The current understanding of the behavior is based largely on the tests of small-scale isolated slab-column assemblies. The results obtained contain a wide range of maximum drift ratios and failure modes that create uncertainty in evaluating the behavior of flat plate structures during strong ground motion. To evaluate the contributions of multiple stories and connections, a full-scale, three-story reinforced concrete flat plate structure was built and subjected to lateral-load reversals of increasing magnitude. Results of the experimental program show (a) the punching-shear failure of a single slab-column connection was preceded by observable damage in other connections, (b) a lower-bound estimate to the contribution of the slabs to the base shear strength of the three-story flat-plate structure can be obtained by limiting the contribution of the slab to the flexural strength of the column strip, and (c) a simplified model incorporating the observed crack pattern can be used to estimate lateral response at low drift levels.