Effect of Dimension and Detail on the Capacity of Precast Concrete Parking Structure Diaphragms

Abstract

The paper presents a study that focuses on diaphragms in precast parking structures. The analytical study presented represents an examination of precast concrete diaphragm capacity. In this stage, the global stiffness, strength, and ductility capacity of the diaphragm are examined with respect to structural dimensions and diaphragm reinforcing details. Many of the findings can equally be appplied to long-span precast concrete diaphgrams in general. The paper presents conclusions that pertain to internal load paths, service level behavior, and ultimate capacity of precast parking structure diaphgrams. The conclusions are qualitative in nature; the quantitative realizations of these conclusions are presented in a companion paper recommendations.