The Effect of ECC Materials on Seismic Performance of Beam-Column Subassemblies with Slabs

The main objective of this investigation was to study the influence of an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) on the seismic performances of beam-column-slab subassemblies. Tests and simulations were conducted on several models. The bearing capacity of the ECC model was 15% higher than that of the RC member, the deformability increased by 19%, and the energy dissipation capability increased by 34%. The use of an ECC in the slab could reduce the contribution of the reinforced bars in the slab to the flexural strength of the beam. At a drift of 2%, the range of the yielding bars in the slab of the RC models was 5h to 6h. However, the yield range of reinforcement in the slab of the ECC models was nearly 3h. As a result, the ECC subassemblies were prone to reach a strong column and weak beam yield mechanism.

Automated summary

The objective of this investigation was to study the influence of an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) on the seismic performances of beam-column-slab subassemblies. Tests and simulations were conducted on several models. The ECC model exhibited 15% higher bearing capacity, 19% increased deformability, and 34% increased energy dissipation capability compared to the RC member. The use of ECC in the slab reduced the contribution of reinforced bars to the flexural strength of the beam, resulting in a prone for the ECC subassemblies to reach a strong column and weak beam yield mechanism.