Experimental Investigations on Seismic Performance of Gravity Load Designed and Corrosion Affected Beam Column Sub-assemblages

Abstract

Most of the reinforced concrete structures were designed only for gravity loads, even in the regions prone to high seismicity. Though these structures perform well under gravity load cases, their performance under seismic event is still a grey area. In RC structures, beam-column joints are crucial members, to dissipate the seismic energy imparted to the structure. It is evidenced that most of the reinforced concrete structures are severely affected by the corrosion and the performance of those structures under seismic events needs special attention. In view of this, investigations are carried out to evaluate the performance of the gravity load designed (GLD) uncorroded and corrosion affected beam-column sub-assemblages under reverse cyclic loading. The study not only brings out the extreme vulnerability of GLD structures under seismic events, but also points out the further detrimental situation due to corrosion in the RC structures. The findings of the present study will be helpful to formulate the adequate strengthening measures for improved seismic performance of the deficient- and degraded- structures to avoid catastrophic failures under seismic events.