9710276 The objective of this research project is to gain additional knowledge on flexural behavior of steel-reinforced-concrete (SRC) structural elements. There is currently a lack of understanding of seismic shear behavior to support the rational design for composite or hybrid structures. Specifically, the following issues related to seismic shear design will be addressed. i. Shear resisting mechanisms in SRC elements ii. Shear strength decay upon the increase of displacement ductility as considered in design; and iii. Shear strength of SRC elements of high-strength or high performance materials The research program undertaken will focus on experimental and analytical investigations of the cyclic shear behavior of high- strength composite steel and concrete (HS-SRC) structural elements. Both the experimental and analytical phases of the research will be conducted on fundamental behavior of high strength SRC elements with applications to moment-resisting frame structures. The emphasis is on the evaluation of different shear resisting mechanisms and the influence of ductility, as well as calibration and development of models to best assess contributions of various shear resisting mechanisms. Results from this research will be used to develop acceptable seismic design guidelines. The research will not only enhance our understanding of HSC structures, but also lead to practical and reliable design of SRC structures and well as development of HSC systems using high strength materials. This is a project supported under NSF initiative No. 94-154 "Composite and Hybrid Structures". ***
