Mike
   Along the same design principal as was mentioned by John. Much
research has also been done in the past (I worked on several projects at
UC Berkeley in  the early 70's) to put "plastic hinges"(really ductile-
not plastic as in the material)  in reinforced concrete beams a distance
away from concrete columns. This provides energy absorption,ductility
and protects the load carrying capacity of the columns.
Regards
Barry



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