Development of empirical models for reinforced concrete flat-slab structures using experimental results

In this study, the seismic performance of flat-slab structures is discussed based on data collected after several earthquakes, as well as based on experimental results. The database of experimental results collected in this study also includes the results from several large-scale tests. Code provisions given in European, American, and past Romanian design regulations are presented and discussed. The analyses of the experimental results have shown that the distribution of the drift capacity of slab-column connections appears to be Normal. There is a good agreement between the drift capacity observed from individual slab-column specimens and large-scale tests for the same type of connection. It was observed that the type of shear reinforcement (closed stirrups or studs) does not appear to affect the drift capacity of slab-column connections with shear reinforcement. Edge column connections appear to have a 20% smaller drift capacity than the interior column connections. Finally, empirical models for the drift capacity of interior and edge slab-column connections without shear reinforcement and interior connections with shear reinforcement are proposed using regression methods.