Analytical and Experimental Analysis of the Use of Wide Beam Frames in Active Seismic Zones

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Moment resisting R/C frames if properly designed and detailed they are very ductile systems capable of enduring the most severe earthquake input motions. There has been a substantial number of investigations of R/C beam to column connections, but at least one common connection problem has not been adequately researched, namely, connections in frame systems composed of wide shallow beams and `normal` columns. Over the last decade they have also been used to a limited extent in regions of moderate to high seismic risk. Due to the lack of experimental studies for these frame systems, conflicting design recommendations have been developed. Because wide beam connections are not uncommon in concrete frame construction, and because there is a lack of information on the behavior and resulting seismic response of concrete frames that contain such connections, there is a clear need for a well planned analytical and experimental investigation of reinforced concrete frames that contain such connections. The goal of this research project is to combine prior experimental results with a limited number of new test results to generate analytical models for simulating the seismic response of wide beam frame structures. Then, combine the analytical and experimental studies to develop detailing requirements as well as recommendations for the proper use of wide beam frames, i.e., in what seismic zones, for what number of stories and in combination with what other lateral load resisting systems. This study will draw conclusive understanding to the seismic behavior of reinforce concrete frame with wide beam connections through laboratory experiments and finite element analysis and the results could form the basis for updating seismic design provisions for such connections.