Title:
Guide for Testing Reinforced Concrete Structural Elements under Slowly Applied Simulated Seismic Loads
Author(s):
Saatcioglu
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
10/23/2022
Abstract:
ACI Committee 374 formed a Task Group to develop a testing guideline for structural elements under slowly applied simulated seismic loads with the aim of generating test data for performance-based seismic design of reinforced concrete structural elements. The Task Group was created in recognition of the change in seismic design practices worldwide toward performance-based design of buildings. This approach aims at producing buildings capable of developing predictable performance levels to achieve predefined performance objectives when subjected to earthquake ground motions. The performance objectives are met by ensuring the structure and its components achieve target performance levels associated with different states of damage for specified seismic hazards. Performance levels (capacity) that can be developed by structural components and the ground motion intensity (demand) for which the building is designed form the fundamental framework of performance-based seismic design of buildings. The guideline provides an overview of structural performance levels prior to describing recommended testing procedure. Details of test specimens, test setup and boundary conditions, as well as the required instrumentation are described for different types of structural elements. The requirements for standard material testing are discussed with appropriate references to relevant ASTM specifications. An important aspect of testing under slowly applied lateral load reversals includes the selection of loading protocol for unidirectional and bidirectional load reversals. The significance of number of cycles and the levels of incrementally increasing deformation reversals are presented. The document makes references to existing research and standards on deformation limits and acceptance criteria for different performance levels. Structural components are treated separately depending on the predominance of response as flexure or shear in combination with axial forces.