Response of RC Frame under Lateral Loads

Abstract

The experimental response of a single‐story, indeterminate reinforced concrete (RC) frame with floor slabs is investigated in this paper. The frame was quarter‐scale and tested under static lateral‐load reversals simulating earthquake load. The internal force redistribution occurring within the inelastic range of response and the beam flexural overstrength resulting from slab contribution are evaluated. It is shown that the pattern of lateral‐load distribution in indeterminate structures is severely affected by the partial restraint that continuity imposes on the inelastic member expansion, particularly at large levels of lateral displacement. Specimen behavior is characterized in terms of strength, stiffness, lateral drift ratio, and plastic hinge‐formation. The mechanism by which shear is introduced to beam‐column joints of connections with floor slabs is examined. The performance of the current code recommendations for design of beam‐column joints is investigated in view of the combined effects of continuity and contribution of floor‐slabs to the flexural resistance of the beams.