Abstract:This paper presents a low frequency cyclic loading test for spatial reinforced concrete(RC) frames. The main research content in the study is the effect of the cast in situ slabs on the seismic performance of frames. The failure pattern of frame, hysteretic loop, strain of the slab longitudinal reinforcement, moment of beam and effective slab width were experimentally studied. Research findings indicate that the “strong column weak beam” can’t be realized due to slabs; the frame with cast in situ slabs has a good dissipation capacity; the strain of slab longitudinal reinforcement increases while the story drift increases, which indicates that the participation of slab increases; the moment of beams are enlarged by slabs. Finally, the strut and tied model (STM) is developed to calculate the effective slab width. The analysis results agree well with the test results, and the participation of slab on the seismic response of RC frames is better reflected by STM model. The formula can be applied to the construction engineering practice.