Performance of Exterior Column Beam Connections as built at site

Abstract

Comparing performance of ill detailed and ductile detailed connections as per IS: 13920 was the prime aim of this study. It was by and large observed during literature review that, usually investigations are done at laboratory casting and curing conditions. How-ever, site conditions are grossly different from laboratory conditions. It is a general experience that the ductile detailing is rarely followed at site. Thus it was felt necessary to investigate performance of such ill detailed constructions at site testing conditions. Specimen for this experiment were manufactured by site people at site conditions and cured at site conditions. A 6-storied MRF constructed in Satara (IS: 1893, Zone 3) was analyzed. An exterior column-beam connection from first slab was chosen for assessment. Design for seismic requirements was carried out referring to suggestions from latest revisions of IS :1893 and IS: 13920. Four 0.3:1 scaled down specimen from actually site sourced concrete and steel were constructed. Out of the four, two were detailed as per actual site practice. Two specimen were detailed as per IS:13920. Specimen were subjected to reverse cyclic displacement loading protocol. It was observed that latest revisions from IS codes ensure that beam fails prior to the connection. Overall performance characteristics were seen improved in case of ductile detailed connections.