Master of Science / Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science / Donald J. Phillippi / Special moment resisting frames (SMRF) are intended to protect the structure from earthquake motions through a ductile inelastic response. This thesis evaluates the performance of reinforced concrete SMRFs with an emphasis on the second level beams. Due to previous research, it is concluded that two-dimensional finite element analyses (2D-FEA) and three-dimensional finite element analyses (3D-FEA) have different results when evaluating the same structure. Due to this, the thesis used a 3D-FEA to analyze frames based on Design Example 7 in the 2006 IBC Structural/Seismic Design Manual (Appendix A). While looking at the frame as a whole, the first of two parametric studies was performed over the columns. Using LS-DYNA the columns’ forces, displacement, moment, and curvature were evaluated. From these results, it was concluded that in SMRF, columns are not acting per current design assumptions due to the elongation of beams. Using the knowledge gained in the first parametric study, a second parametric study was performed on the second level floor beams. Focusing on the beam elongation, this thesis evaluates multiple frames with different load combinations using LS-DYNA to find the displacement of the reinforcement in the beams. With the results, an equation to calculate the elongation of beams was proposed, as well as an average percentage of the elongation in reinforced concrete SMRF. The equation and average percentage of elongation aim to provide a standard design consideration for the elongation of beams.

more funding must be allocated for their rehabilitation or replacement. The Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Long-Term Bridge Performance (LTBP) Program has been developed to help bridge stakeholders make the best decisions concerning the allocation of these funds. This is done through the use of high quality data obtained through numerous testing processes. As part of the LTBP Pilot Program, researchers have performed live load tests on the U.S. Route 15 Southbound bridge over Interstate-66. The main performance and behavior characteristics focused on are service strain and deflection, wheel load distribution, dynamic load allowance, and rotational behavior of bridge bearings. Data from this test will be used as a tool in developing and refining a plan for long-term bridge monitoring. This includes identifying the primarily loaded girders and their expected range of response under ambient traffic conditions. Information obtained from this test will also aid in the refinement of finite element models by offering insight into the performance of individual bridge components, as well as overall global behavior. Finally, the methods and results of this test have been documented to allow for comparison with future testing of this bridge, which will yield information concerning the changes in bridge behavior over time. / Master of Science