Parametric study of the behavior of exterior post-tensioned slab column connections under lateral loading

The use of post tensioned flat slabs is common in structures that require the construction of long span. The main advantages of using this type of slabs are increasing the span to thickness ratio, deflection control and reducing the thickness of the floor. Post tension slabs are usually designed to withstand gravitational loads in the building. However, slab column connections in these systems must be able to withstand the deformations created by lateral loads and have sufficient ductility. In this research, an exterior unbonded post tensioned slab column connection is validated in ABAQUS finite element software. After ensuring the accuracy of the numerical model results, the effect of concrete compressive strength, the amount of effective prestressing levels and the tendon bonding influence in the seismic behavior of post tension slab joints are investigated. The results showed that the compressive strength of concrete and the prestressing level of concrete have a significant effect on the load-bearing capacity and ductility of the joints, while the bonding condition does not have much effect on the behavior of the joints.