Earthquake Load on R/C Beams: Building versus Single Beam

Abstract

The results of a series of tests on a full‐scale reinforced concrete structure subjected to simulated earthquake loading are used to study the behavior of beam hinging regions. The measured beam rotations from an open frame and a shear wall frame are compared to the results from an analytical study to estimate the rotational ductility demand of beams at different stages of building displacement. The results indicate that there is a pronounced difference between the ductility demand of beams in an open frame and those connected to a shear wall. A relationship between the beam hinge rotation of the actual structure and displacements of individual beam elements is presented to establish a guideline for choosing displacement histories for experimental programs of beam elements. The analysis shows that there is not a unique relationship between the displacement of individual beam specimens and the lateral displacement of the building, nor is this relationship linear. The specimens that simulate the behavior of beams at different locations in a building should undergo different displacements histories.