Shaking table tests of RC frame structure across the earth fissure under earthquake

Abstract

SummaryTo investigate the behavior of a reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure across earth fissure under strong earthquake, a series of shaking table tests on a scaled model were designed and conducted. Three earthquake motion records were selected as input excitations, and the Jiangyou motion has a dramatically greater dynamic effect on the structure mainly due to its inherent rich low‐frequency component. The structural acceleration amplification factor gradually decreased as the peak ground acceleration of input motions increased, implying the progressive degradation of the structure stiffness. The results indicated that the earth fissure site has amplification effect on acceleration of the soil, and the displacement response of frame across the earth fissure was different to that of a typical RC frame structure. The ground floor was the most vulnerable story of the RC frame across the earth fissure.