Critical Points of Prefabricated Reinforced Concrete Wall Systems of Multi-storey Buildings

Authors: J. Witzany, T. Čejka, R. Zigler

Abstract:

With respect to the dissipation of energy through plastic deformation of joints of prefabricated wall units, the paper points out the principal importance of efficient reinforcement of the prefabricated system at its joints. The method, quality and amount of reinforcement are essential for reaching the necessary degree of joint ductility. The paper presents partial results of experimental research of vertical joints of prefabricated units exposed to monotonously rising loading and repetitive shear force and formulates a conclusion that the limit state of the structure as a whole is preceded by the disintegration of joints, or that the structure tends to pass from linearly elastic behaviour to non-linearly elastic to plastic behaviour by exceeding the proportional elastic limit in joints.Experimental verification on a model of a 7-storey prefabricated structure revealed weak points in its load-bearing systems, mainly at places of critical points around openings situated in close proximity to vertical joints of mutually perpendicularly oriented walls.

Keywords: dissipative energy, dynamic and cycling load repetitive load, working diagrams of joints

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1063298

References:

[1] Witzany, J. (1977). "Design of Load-Bearing Joints of Assembled Wall Systems", doctoral dissertation thesis, Prague, CTU
[2] Witzany, J. (1982). "Working Diagrams of Joints under Repetitive Loading", In: Pozemní stavby, Vol. 25, No. 8, Prague, Czech republic.
[3] Witzany, J., ─îejka, T. & Zigler, R.: Experimental Research of the Response of a Prefabricated Planar Structure of a Multi-Storey Building to Cyclic Load. In International Conference On Forensic Engineering: Failure Diagnosis And Problem Solving. Mumbai, 6-9. December 2007. India Chapter of American Concrete Institute , 2007, p. 43-52.
[4] Witzany, J., ─îejka, T. & Zigler, R.: Prefabricated Planar Structure of a Multi-Storey Building Exposed to Cyclic Load and Engineering Seismicity. In Proceedings of the Fifth International Structual Engineering and Construction Conference, Las Vegas, 21-27 Sempetmebr 2009. Leiden: CRC Press/Balkema, 2009, p. 339-344.