Lateral Ductility and Strength of Column-Flat Slab Systems Incorporating the Role of Masonry Infill Walls

Abstract eng:
Several advantages of the reinforced concrete flat slab systems over the classical moment resisting frames exist. The former offers larger unobstructed space, easier construction formwork, lesser construction duration and lower building height in addition to greater architectural flexibility. However, flat slab system suffers from some serious drawbacks: the absence of deep beams and shear wall results in low transverse stiffness which causes excessive deformations under the action of even moderate earthquakes, and the brittle slab punching failure due to transfers of shear and unbalanced moment between slabs and columns. In regions with high seismic hazard, flat slab systems are not recommended unless a sufficient lateral support system can be provided. Non-structural elements previously unaccounted for as part of the lateral support such as masonry infill panels may improve the seismic performance of flat slab systems. In this study, a method is proposed to predict the strength and ductility of a column-flat slab connection incorporating the action of masonry infill walls. This is followed by a parametric study on important design variables that govern the simultaneous plastic collapse behavior at the peak load. It is shown that carefully designed masonry infill walls allow for improved seismic resistant of column-flat slab systems.

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