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Influence of the column-to-beam flexural strength ratio on the failure mode of beam-column connections in RC frames

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Abstract

The column-to-beam flexural strength ratio (CBFSR) has been used in many seismic codes to achieve the strong column-weak beam (SCWB) failure mode in reinforced concrete (RC) frames, in which plastic hinges appear earlier in beams than in columns. However, seismic investigations show that the required limit of CBFSR in seismic codes usually cannot achieve the SCWB failure mode under strong earthquakes. This study investigates the failure modes of RC frames with different CBFSRs. Nine typical three-story RC frame models with different CBFSRs are designed in accordance with Chinese seismic codes. The seismic responses and failure modes of the frames are investigated through time-history analyses using 100 ground motion records. The results show that the required limit of the CBFSR that guarantees the SCWB failure mode depends on the beam-column connection type and the seismic intensity, and different types of beam-column connections exhibit different failure modes even though they are designed with the same CBFSR. Recommended CBFSRs are proposed for achieving the designed SCWB failure mode for different types of connections in RC frames under different seismic intensities. These results may provide some reference for further revisions of the SCWB design criterion in Chinese seismic codes.

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Acknowledgement

This research project is supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (Grant No. 2017YFC1500601), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 51678541 and 51708523) and the Scientific Research Fund of the Institute of Engineering Mechanics, China Earthquake Administration (Grant No. 2016A01). This support is greatly appreciated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Engineering Mechanics, China Earthquake Administration, Key Laboratory of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Vibration, Harbin, 150080, China

    Gong Maosheng, Zuo Zhanxuan, He Riteng & Zhao Yinan

  2. School of Civil Engineering, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, 150080, China

    Sun Jing

Authors
  1. Gong Maosheng
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  2. Zuo Zhanxuan
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  3. Sun Jing
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  4. He Riteng
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  5. Zhao Yinan
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Zuo Zhanxuan.

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Supported by

National Key R&D Program of China under Grant No. 2017YFC1500601, National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos. 51678541 and 51708523 and Scientific Research Fund of the Institute of Engineering Mechanics, China Earthquake Administration under Grant No. 2016A01

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Maosheng, G., Zhanxuan, Z., Jing, S. et al. Influence of the column-to-beam flexural strength ratio on the failure mode of beam-column connections in RC frames. Earthq. Eng. Eng. Vib. 20, 441–452 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11803-021-2030-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11803-021-2030-y

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