Frames with Staggered Panels: Experimental Study

Abstract

A structural system consisting of story-deep and bay-wide discrete panels to resist lateral loads is investigated. To study the overall behavior of this system and to compare with the conventional shear wall frame, four perspex models were tested for static as well as dynamic response. To investigate the behavior of a discrete shear panel and to study the effect of stress-concentration at panel-corners where skeletal members meet, three reinforced concrete panels were tested. The proposed system is found to provide adequate lateral stiffness to resist horizontal loads such as wind and earthquake forces. Discrete panels cannot be idealized as line elements (wide columns with rigid arms), and the finite element method must be used for the analysis of staggered panel frames. Local failure at corners of a panel can be avoided by extending the girder and column reinforcements through the length and height of the panel. Reinforcement in the interior of a panel can be the minimum required to resist the stresses due to shrinkage, temperature, and creep.