The Earthquake Engineering Online Archive

An Experimental Study of Flat-Plate Structures under Vertical and Lateral Loads

Hwang, Shyh-Jiann; Moehle, Jack P.

UCB/SEMM-1990/11, Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1990-07, 271 pages (500/C23/90/11)

This report documents the experiments, presents measured data and observations, and describes analytical methods and results for a reinforced concrete flat-plate structure, built at four-tenths scale, and tested at the Structural Laboratory of the University of California at Berkeley. The test structure modeled a prototype structure having three bays in each direction. The floor slab was supported on columns without beams, drop panels, or slab shear reinforcement. Proportions of the structure were determined according to conventional design practice and details satisfied the requirements of the ACI 318-83 Code. Some redistributions of negative moments for connections were taken. Gravity load tests were conducted to observe structural responses at the service load level. Lateral load tests were conducted to monitor service load behavior as well as ultimate capacities. Post-failure behavior was investigated. Analytical studies include methods to model the vertical and lateral load stiffnesses including cracking due to service loads, and models to estimate the strength of the connections.

Available online: http://nisee.berkeley.edu/documents/SEMM/SEMM-90-11.pdf (13 MB)