Abstract
An investigation considering the influence of loading histories on the performance of a reinforced concrete beam plastic hinge is described. Twelve loading histories were considered, including conventional procedures employed in the United States, Japan and New Zealand, and artificially generated histories derived from recorded earthquake ground motions. Details of the prototype structure and the test beam are described, followed by comprehensive reporting o f experimental data. Performance descriptors and further treatment of the experimental data are presented in a companion paper.
Highlights
When a structure is subjected to an earthquake ground motion its response depends upon the attributes of the earthquake ground motion and the structure's dynamic and nonlinear characteristics, which includes hysteresis form and strength degradation properties
Three test assemblies were subjected to conventional loading histories from the United States and Japan so that experimental results from those countries could be compared with results obtained using the New Zealand loading history
The loading history adopted for the PRESSS research programme (Stone et al 1995) was based on storey drifts, which were converted to ductility levels in this study to assist in the comparison of experimental results
Summary
When a structure is subjected to an earthquake ground motion its response depends upon the attributes of the earthquake ground motion and the structure's dynamic and nonlinear characteristics, which includes hysteresis form and strength degradation properties. It is not possible to predict in advance the equivalent force-time history that a building may be subjected to because of the randomness inherent in the earthquake ground motion To overcome this difficulty, researchers commonly adopt quasi-static cyclic loading histories of increasing amplitude and continue testing until the subassemblage suffers significant strength loss. Researchers commonly adopt quasi-static cyclic loading histories of increasing amplitude and continue testing until the subassemblage suffers significant strength loss This enables the likely seismic performance of structures and their components to be determined. Researchers are showing considerable interest in displacement-based methods of structural design, proposing that these methods lead to more rational, safer, and costeffective designs For these reasons it has been suggested that these methods be introduced in combination with the release of the New Zealand Loadings Code. A reinforced concrete frame was chosen because are much more prevalent in New Zealand than other structural forms, such as bridges, and the majority of these buildings are comprised of reinforced concrete
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
