Title: Destructive Vibration Test of a 4-Story Concrete Structure

Author(s): C.K. Chen, R.M. Czarnecki, and R.E. Scholl

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 55

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 607-640

Keywords: amplitude; damping capacity; deflection; dynamic structural analysis; earthquake resistant structures; elastic limit; field tests; load tests (structural); reinforced concrete; rigid frames; stiffness; vibration

DOI: 10.14359/6630

Date: 8/1/1978

Abstract:
Results of a high-amplitude, destructive-level vibration test of a full-scale, 4-story reinforced concrete bare-frame structure indicated that the dynamic response characteristics remained rela-tively constant at motion amplitudes less than the calculated elastic limit (but above the design capacity of the structure). However, as this limit was exceeded, the structure exhibited nonlinear response behavior that was accompanied by significant variations in the dynamic characteristics, causing major structural damage. Empirical relationships relating inelastic response properties to elastic response values and ductility were developed. Although these relationships were derived from data of this test structure, they may be used to predict the approximate range of inelastic response of reinforced concrete structures from known elastic response properties and expected ductility factors. This paper also compares the structure's response properties resulting from lower-amplitude vibration tests conducted before and after the high-amplitude destructive test (i.e., on the undamaged and damaged structure). The response of the damaged structure to forced vibration appears to be consistent with the response of the undamaged structure except that the damaged structure exhibited larger periods, higher damping ratios, and some deflected shape discontinuities.