Seismic Capacity Reduction Factors for a RC Beam and Two RC Columns

Abstract

Many building structures can be damaged and even collapse during a severe earthquake. For this reason it is important to take immediate decisions about the safety of damaged structures in order to avoid possible human losses in case of aftershocks. Therefore, a quantitative damage assessment should be made to estimate residual seismic capacity. Reinforced Concrete (RC) Frames are one of the most common earthquake resistant elements used in Argentina. Consequently, it was judged necessary to study the residual seismic capacity of the basic components of this structural type. Experimental results and numerical models of RC beams and columns were considered to establish the reduction factors for different damage classes. A beam tested by the authors and two columns reported in the bibliography were studied. The results were compared with the values suggested by the revised Japanese Guideline for Post-Earthquake Damage Evaluation and Rehabilitation (2014) and a satisfactory agreement was found between them.