Behaviour of reinforced self-consolidating concrete frames

Multi-storey reinforced concrete (RC) structural frames represent some of the most congested structural elements. Placing and consolidating concrete in such structural frames imposes substantial challenges. This offers a unique area of application for self-consolidating concrete (SCC) because of its inherent ability to flow under its own weight and fill congested sections, complicated formwork and hard-to-reach areas. Research is, however, needed to demonstrate the ability of SCC structural frames adequately to resist vertical and lateral loads. In the present study, full-scale 3 m high beam-column joints reinforced as per the Canadian Standards CSA A23·3-94 and ACI-352R-02 were made with normal concrete (NC) and SCC. They were tested under reversed cyclic loading applied at the beam tip and at a constant axial load applied on the column. The beam–column joint specimens were instrumented with linear variable displacement transducers and strain gauges to determine load–displacement traces, cumulative dissi...