Lateral Load Response of Flat‐Plate Frame

Abstract

Lateral‐load response of a flat‐plate frame under simulated earthquake base motions is examined. The test structure is a three‐tenths scale model of a two‐story, three‐bay flat plate frame, which was designed and detailed according to current procedures for beamless slabs in regions of moderate seismic risk. Overall resistance to low, moderate, and high intensity base motions is examined, and design‐oriented methods to evaluate lateral‐load stiffness and strength are examined. It is concluded that the design resulted in a flexible but reasonably tough structural system. Relatively simple procedures to evaluate stiffness and strength are presented and found to be acceptably accurate for the test structure.