Title:
Cyclic Crack and Inertial Loading System for Investigating Anchor Seismic Behavior
Author(s):
Derrick A. Watkins, Tara C. Hutchinson, and Matthew S. Hoehler
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
109
Issue:
4
Appears on pages(s):
457-466
Keywords:
anchor; cracked concrete; earthquake; fastener; seismic; testing
DOI:
10.14359/51683865
Date:
7/1/2012
Abstract:
The seismic performance of anchors in cracked concrete has historically been investigated under load and boundary conditions that do not fully represent the dynamic environment encountered when a structure is subjected to earthquake loads. Few investigations have considered the complex interplay between anchor behavior and the components they connect. This paper presents a new methodology and associated experimental setup for studying the seismic behavior of anchored components. This study aims at capturing the salient features of boundary and loading conditions of anchored components within building systems, whereby the component is subjected to seismic-induced inertial loading, while the anchor is embedded in cracks that cycle between opened and closed. Although the emphasis is on testing anchored nonstructural components and systems, the methodology and test equipment are versatile enough to accommodate structural components as well. The experimental results demonstrate the fidelity of the system across a broad frequency range and under a variety of dynamic loading conditions.