Title:
Equivalent Beam Model for Flat-Slab Buildings--Part II: Exterior Connections
Author(s):
Y. H. Luo and A. J. Durrani
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
92
Issue:
2
Appears on pages(s):
250-257
Keywords:
beams (supports); buildings; connections; flat concrete slabs; lateral pressure; loads (forces); reinforced concrete; Design
DOI:
10.14359/1154
Date:
3/1/1995
Abstract:
In analyzing flat-slab buildings for gravity and lateral loading, the same effective slab width is used at both interior and exterior slab-column connections. Tests of slab-column connections have clearly shown the moment-transfer mechanism at interior connections to be distinctly different than the one at exterior connections. The effective slab width and stiffness of the exterior connections is therefore significantly different from those of the interior connections. Recognition of this fact is important in accurately predicting the lateral drift and unbalanced moments at connections in flat-slab buildings. The equivalent beam model for slabs at exterior slab-column connections is presented. Based on test results of 41 exterior connections, the ultimate moment-transfer capacity is found to be a combination of the torsional capacity of the slab edge and flexural capacity of the slab portion framing into the front face of the column. The test results also show the actual torsional capacity of the spandrel beam or slab edge at exterior connections to be considerably larger than the theoretical capacity calculated as an isolated beam. An equivalent beam model is proposed for exterior connections that gives a better prediction of the unbalanced moment at connections and lateral drift of flat-slab buildings.