The University of Canterbury is at present conducting an experimental investigation into the seismic resistance of concrete building frames. This research project is sponsored by the N.Z. Prestressed Concrete Institute, the Building Research Association (NZ) and the University. The test frames include a range of proportions of prestressing steel and ordinary reinforcing steel to allow a comparison of prestressed and reinforced concrete frames and to establish the possible advantages
of combining both systems. The tests are aimed at determining the deformation capacity and degree of damage of such frames when responding to severe seismic load reversals and will establish further basic information for the evaluation and design
of framed structures for earthquake resistance. The specimens consist of beam-column assemblies with either a prestressed, partially prestressed or reinforced concrete beam. This paper summarizes the results obtained from the first eight test units. The results from the first seven units may be seen reported in more detail elsewhere.