Cyclic Test on RC Exterior Connections in Existing Waffle-Flat-Plate Structures

Abstract eng:
In the moderate-seismicity southern European countries it is very common to use the reinforced concrete waffle flat-plate structure as a main system for resisting lateral earthquake loads. Field investigations on the damage suffered by this type of structures under past earthquakes and experimental research have raised serious concerns about their safety in a severe seismic event. The exterior connections of this type of structural system are especially problematic, because very often the longitudinal wide beam reinforcement steel that extends passing outside the column core is not properly anchored, and the torsion failure of the plate’s edge limits the capacity of this reinforcement. This paper experimentally investigates the seismic behavior of exterior connections in reinforced concrete waffle flat-plate structures subjected to moderate gravity-load levels such as those acting during an earthquake. A 3/5 scale test model representative of an exterior connection in a prototype six-storey building was subjected to gravity and cyclic loading until failure. First yielding was observed at 1% drift ratio. The maximum strength occurred at 3.3% drift ratio and the ultimate displacement capacity was 5.5%.

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