Cyclic behaviour of interior post-tensioned flat plate connections

Abstract

In high seismic regions, post-tensioned (PT) slab–column frames are commonly used to support gravity loads in conjunction with a lateral-force resisting system (LFRS) such as a core wall. The LFRS is designed to resist 100% of the design lateral forces as well as to limit lateral displacements to an acceptable level, whereas the slab–column frame must sustain the gravity loads under the expected (design) displacements. Given the relatively sparse data on the seismic performance of PT flat plate slab–column frames, cyclic tests of four interior PT slab–column connections were conducted. Primary test variables were the level of gravity shear at the slab–column connection and the slab tendon arrangement. Test results indicate that both the test variables strongly influence the cyclic behaviour of the PT connections, and that the use of slab bottom reinforcement at the slab–column connection was effective in resisting positive moment developed under lateral loading as well as improving the hysteretic energy dissipation capacity.