Experimental research on seismic damage of a full-web SRC frame structure

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to investigate the seismic damage of a full-web steel-reinforced concrete (SRC) frame structure. A 1/3 scale, 2-bay, 3-story model of the full-web SRC frame was designed and constructed, and the load-displacement hysteretic curve, stiffness and strength degradation, displacement ductility, energy dissipation, crack propagation, failure mechanism, damage parameter, and evolution of seismic damage were investigated under low-reversed cyclic lateral loading. Based on an existing seismic damage model, the damage index was calculated and cumulative damage of the frame model was determined. The experimental results showed that the damage process of the full-web SRC frame structure consisted of four stages - namely, the undamaged stage, initial damage stage, stable development stage, the rapid development stage. Frame beams were damaged first, followed by damage to frame columns; Frame beams experienced the greatest damage. The damage value was largest for the first floor of the structure. Damage values calculated with the two methods were similar and accurately reflected the evolution of seismic damage. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for post-earthquake damage assessment of a full-web SRC frame structure.