Seismic Design Criteria and Plans for Large-Scale Testing of Composite RCS Frames

与传统的钢筋或钢筋混凝土结构相比，由钢筋混凝土柱和钢梁组成的结构系统（所谓的RCS系统）已被证明具有成本效益。然而，缺乏行为信息和设计标准的RCS系统阻碍了它们在高震区的应用。该项目将综合有关RCS的最新研究信息，并准备设计标准和指南，使实践工程师能够设计可靠地在大地震中生存的RCS系统。需要认真研究和分析日本的最新研究，以量化RCS系统的潜在力学和行为。诸如构件测试和分析是否足以证明RCS框架在高震区的可靠性等问题将得到解决。本项目的具体任务是：收集、审查和研究美日项目中关于RCS连接和系统的现有数据，并将这些数据综合成复合RCS框架的抗震设计标准。设计标准将考虑两种形式——一种是遵循美国现行规范和标准中使用的程序，另一种是根据地震工程界的相关举措探索基于性能的方法。评估采用拟动力和振动台方法对RCS系统进行大型框架测试的潜在目标、优点和局限性。这将包括对先前美日项目进行大型框架测试的审查，并评估大型框架测试如何解决RCS框架结构未解决的问题。根据目标(2)的结果，为将来可能进行的一次或多次大型框架测试制定详细的规划文件。

Structural systems consisting of reinforced concrete columns with steel beams (so-called RCS systems) have been shown to be cost-effective comparing to traditional steel or reinforced concrete construction. However, the lack of behavioral information and design criteria for RCS systems has hindered their use in high seismic regions. This project will synthesize the latest research information about RCS and to prepare design criteria and guidelines that will enable practicing engineers to design RCS systems that will reliably survive large earthquakes. Work is needed to careful study and analyze the latest Japanese research so as to quantify the underlying mechanics and behavior of RCS systems. Questions such as whether component testing and analyses sufficiently demonstrate the reliability of RCS frames for high seismic regions, etc will be addressed. Specific tasks to be undertaken in this project are:Assemble, review and study available data from the US-Japan Projects on RCS connections and systems, and synthesize these into seismic design criteria for composite RCS frames. The design criteria will consider two formats-one that follows procedures used in current codes and standards in the US, and a second that explores performance-based approaches following related initiatives within the earthquake engineering community.Assess the potential objectives, merits and limitations of large-scale frame testing of RCS systems using pseudo-dynamic and shake table methods. This would include a review of prior US-Japan projects where large-scale frames were tested and assessment of how large-scale frame tests may answer unresolved issues for RCS frame structures.Subject to the findings of objective (2), develop a detailed planning document for one or more large-scale frame tests that could be conducted in the future.