Performance assessment of novel hollow and solid RC columns using simulation of shaking table test

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the seismic performance of novel hollow and solid reinforced-concrete (RC) columns with triangular reinforcement details when subjected to impulsive near-fault ground motions. The results of numerical simulations of shaking table tests on six hollow columns and six solid columns are presented. The developed reinforcement details are shown to be economically feasible and rational, and they facilitate shorter construction periods. The use of a sophisticated non-linear finite-element analysis program enhanced the accuracy and objectivity of the assessment process. The computer program RCAHEST (Reinforced Concrete Analysis in Higher Evaluation System Technology) was used to analyse the RC structures. The equations of motion were solved by numerical integration using the Hilber–Hughes–Taylor algorithm. The numerical method used gave a realistic prediction of seismic performance throughout the input ground motions for several column specimens investigated. As a result, the developed triangular reinforcement details were considered to be superior to existing reinforcement details in terms of the required seismic performance. Such an analysis to study the seismic response of novel hollow and solid RC columns should lead to realistic and safe design.