Shaking table tests on braced reinforced concrete frame structure across the earth fissure under earthquake

Abstract

SummaryA series of shaking table tests on a scaled model were conducted to investigate the effect of steel braces on reinforced concrete frame structure across earth fissure under earthquake. In the test, a 1/15 scaled model structure taking into account soil–structure interaction was designed on the basis of similarity theorem. Seismic response data, including acceleration responses, displacement responses, shear force distributions, and strain amplitudes of column reinforcement were obtained and analyzed by comparing the results of unbraced and braced structure. Results show that with the peak ground acceleration of input motions increased, maximum of inter‐story drifts, shear forces, and strain amplitudes increased, whereas the acceleration amplification factors decreased. Steel braces could obviously reduce the seismic response of the structure, indicating that this retrofit method is an effective control measure for structures across the earth fissure under earthquake. These results are significant for studying the effect of earth fissure on seismic responses of structures.