Date of Award

12-2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Legacy Department

Civil Engineering

Committee Chair/Advisor

Fortney, Patrick J

Committee Member

Schiff , Scott D

Committee Member

Nielson , Bryant G

Abstract

This manuscript presents two parametric studies which were performed to evaluate a provision which originated in the 1994 Uniform Building Code (UBC). This provision states that if gravity-induced axial loads carried by a reinforced concrete member are greater than 35% of the pure axial load-carrying capacity (Po) of that member, then the member cannot be used as part of the lateral force resisting system (LRFS). Along with the UBC provision, the Structural Engineers Association of California's (SEAOC) Blue Book states that the value of 0.35Po corresponds to the level of axial load representing a balanced state of strain, i.e., the balanced point of the axial load-moment (P-M) interaction. It is also generally accepted that the balanced point on a P-M interaction is located at the point of maximum moment.
To evaluate these assertions, two parametric studies were performed. In the first study, square column cross-sections were analyzed while the second study considered rectangular wall cross-sections. Concrete compressive strength and reinforcement ratios were considered as variables. Two noteworthy observations are drawn from the results of the studies: depending on reinforcing schemes and reinforcement ratios; (1) the balanced point on a P-M is not always located at a value of 0.35Po; (2) the balanced point is not necessarily located at the point of maximum moment - it may lay above or below the point of maximum moment, or may be located approximately at the point of maximum moment depending on cross sectional and material properties, as well as reinforcement scheme.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.