Seismic Performance of Sacrificial Interior Shear Keys

Experimental and analytical results from a research program conducted to evaluate the seismic performance of sacrificial interior shear keys are presented. The program consisted of 7 experiments under which several variables were investigated: 1) loading protocol; 2) geometry; and 3) reinforcement ratio. These experiments provided results that were used to develop rational models of the force and deformation capacity of sacrificial interior shear keys as well as their postpeak performance under cyclic loads. Test results show that in their current form, existing design methodologies underestimate the capacity of sacrificial interior shear keys and a more comprehensive design procedure must be implemented. Based on experimental results, a detailed analytical investigation of the sacrificial shear keys was conducted and findings are provided herein.