The Effects of Shear Reinforcement on the Reversed Cyclic Loading Behavior of Flat Plate Structures

Abstract

This paper reports one phase of a research program at the University of Washington on the seismic response of flat plate to column connections. In particular the behavior of connections containing integral beam stirrup reinforcement in the slabs is discussed. The paper compares different approaches for designing that stirrup reinforcement, outlines the benefits of placing stirrup reinforcement in the slab, and gives guidelines as to the design and proper detailing necessary for that stirrup reinforcement. The effects of concentration of the flexural reinforcement in the immediate column region are also examined. Ductility ratios, energy absorption, energy dissipation, and degeneration of stiffness characteristics of the specimens are reported together with the lateral loads for first yielding and maximum capacity of the specimens.