Experimental observations on the seismic shear performance of RC beam‐to‐column connections subjected to varying axial column force

The paper presents results from the first series of an ongoing experimental study aimed at quantifying the effect of axial column load on the shear capacity of beam‐to‐column connections. This is deemed important due to the recent evidence showing that vertical earthquake ground motion, when combined with high overturning moments, may cause reduced column compression or even tension. In which case, the concrete contribution to shear resistance in the panel zone is diminished, which may lead to failure prior to the attainment of the full resisting capacity of the beam section. The results first show that the failure mode of the models was, as intended, shear failure of the panel zone. It is further observed that the axial column load has a marked effect on the shear deformation capacity, yield point, cracking pattern, ultimate capacity and ductility of the panel zone. Differences in the range of 30 per cent in capacity and 50 per cent in deformability were recorded. The preliminary results are useful in providing design guidance for structures located in areas of potential high vertical ground motion component. Also, for high‐rise structures, where there are large overturning moments, the results may be of use in ensuring a uniform safety factor (or overstrength) in various non‐dissipative parts of the structure.