Title:
Performance Evaluation of Low-Rise RC Walls Using Dynamic and Quasi-Static Loading Protocols
Author(s):
Carrillo
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
10/23/2022
Abstract:
Quasi-static (QS) tests are the simplest method to be carried out; however, they are unsuited for providing information on the dynamic behavior of specimens subjected to earthquake-induced deformations. Experimental evidence supporting the fact that results from QS test of low-rise reinforced concrete walls may be safely assumed as a lower limit of strength and displacement, and energy dissipation capacities are still scarce. This work compares the performance of 12 isolated full-scale reinforced concrete (RC) walls for low-rise housing: six prototype walls tested under Quasi-static cyclic (QSC) loading and six models tested under shaking table excitation. Variables studied were wall geometry (solid walls and walls with openings), type of concrete (normal weight and lightweight), web steel ratio (0.125% and 0.25%), type of web reinforcement (deformed bars or welded wire meshes), and testing method (shaking table and QSC testing). Comparison of the results from dynamic and QSC tests indicated that stiffness and strength properties were dependent on the loading rate, the strength mechanisms associated with the failure mode, the low-cycle fatigue, and the cumulative parameters, such as displacement demand and energy dissipated. It was verified that loading history of the QSC testing ignores the foremost dynamic effects observed in structures subjected to earthquake loads. Then, data obtained from QSC tests cannot always be safely assumed as a lower conservative limit of the performance capacity of RC walls for low-rise housing subjected to earthquake-induced deformations.