Chapter 1

Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
When designing for earthquake induced loading, most conventional, popular gravity
dominated structural systems possess a major inherent deficiency because of undesirable
member proportions. Many structures designed and constructed in Australia belong to this
category. The purpose of this study is to investigate the seismic performance of a beam-
slab-column system constructed with a re-usable sheet metal formwork system, which is
becoming popular in Australia and overseas. This innovative formwork system, Corcon,
has been developed and patented throughout the world, by the industry partner, Andy
Stodulka of Decoin Pty Ltd.
‘Corcon’ derives its name from the combination of CORrugation and CONcrete. This
reusable lightweight sheet metal form system optimises the traditional rib slab
construction by using corrugated arch metal sheet spanning over series of sheet metal
beam moulds to form the suspended concrete slab. The corrugated arched metal sheet
enables the rib beam spacing to be increased to 1200 mm from the conventional 600 mm.
There have been no investigations reported on the seismic behaviour of concrete beam-
arch slab systems, both locally and internationally. Decoin Pty Ltd., the industry partner
will work with the University of Melbourne to find an appropriate and economical
solution for this important problem.
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1.2 Purpose
The purpose of the research presented in this thesis is to investigate the seismic
performance of Corcon slab system for various levels of seismicity, with the aim that
design recommendations are to be formulated.
The main goal is to assess current Australian design practice and to provide design
guidelines for these beam-slab-column systems constructed with the Corcon form work
system and to find a detailing strategy which will ensure a sufficient level of ductility for
various levels of seismic demands.
1.3 Means to achieve outcomes
The seismic performance of Corcon slab system is to be assessed through experimentally
and analytically.
A theoretical model of four-storey framed structure equivalent to those in a typical frame
structure constructed with Corcon system is designed and detailed according to the
existing rules given in the Australian Concrete Structures Code, AS 3600. The Program
RUAUMOKO is used to predict the inelastic dynamic responses of the frame structure,
and to determine the expected maximum drift levels for different levels of seismicity.
The experimental work, consists of two tests and is conducted taking an isolated half-scale
Corcon interior beam-column subassembly to understand the real Corcon slab performs
under cyclic lateral load. The second test was conducted after repairing the damaged first
specimen to test the effectiveness of the modified detailing.

The finite element modeling of the sub assemblage is performed using Program ANSYS.
The experimental results are used to calibrate the finite element model. The second finite
element model is prepared and used to test the performance with improved reinforcement
detailing to overcome deficiencies identified in the experiment.
1.4 Aims
 Seismic performance of existing Corcon system designed for gravity loads.
 --------- performance of a similar system retrofitted with CFRP.
1.5 Arrangement of the thesis
This thesis is presented in the following manner:
Chapter 2 presents a range of earthquake engineering topics and structural modelling

aspects; a review of literature related to experimental testing, current design practice,
theoretical strength evaluation and modeling techniques such as finite element analysis.
Chapter 3 deals with construction and testing of interior Corcon rib beam-column
subassemblages tested in the Francis Laboratory at The University of Melbourne.
Chapter 4 presents the results from the half scale interior Corcon rib beam-column
subassemblage.
Chapter 5 presents the analytical component of this investigation, such as finite element
analysis and time history analysis.
Chapter 6 gives the overall conclusions and future work.

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Chapter 1

dominated structural systems possess a major inherent deficiency because of undesirable

Stodulka of Decoin Pty Ltd.

solution for this important problem.

Created with novaPDF Printer (www.novaPDF.com)

design recommendations are to be formulated.

various levels of seismic demands.

1.3 Means to achieve outcomes

The seismic performance of Corcon slab system is to be assessed through experimentally

A theoretical model of four-storey framed structure equivalent to those in a typical frame

specimen to test the effectiveness of the modified detailing.

Created with novaPDF Printer (www.novaPDF.com)

detailing to overcome deficiencies identified in the experiment.

 Seismic performance of existing Corcon system designed for gravity loads.

 --------- performance of a similar system retrofitted with CFRP.

1.5 Arrangement of the thesis

This thesis is presented in the following manner:

Chapter 2 presents a range of earthquake engineering topics and structural modelling

subassemblages tested in the Francis Laboratory at The University of Melbourne.

analysis and time history analysis.

Chapter 6 gives the overall conclusions and future work.

Created with novaPDF Printer (www.novaPDF.com)

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