Reinforced concrete structures under cyclic static action

Summary

In the framework of this project the behaviour of reinforced concrete structures under seismic action is studied experimentally. The test results together with numerical simulations will be used to develop practical rules for design and construction. In contrast to dynamic tests, the relatively slow cyclic static experiments enable a detailed understanding of the complex phenomenons in the plastic regions. The insight gained by these tests paired with the results from ETH shake table tests should lead to an deeper understanding of the earthquake behaviour of real structures.

The tests on 6 RC-wall specimens in scale 1:2 with dimensions 0.15x2.00x5.50 were completed in January 1998. The testing parameters were the mechanical properties of the reinforcing steel (European steel type B500 with low respectively medium ductility), the design ductility (Ductility classes "high", "medium" and "low"), the reinforcement ratio (total reinforcement ratio between 0.39% and 0.82%), and the axial force ratio (0.05-0.11 Agfc). The design of the speci-mens belonging to the ductility classes "high" and "medium" were performed according to the New Zealand Concrete Structures Standard NZS 3101:1995 and of the specimen belonging to the ductility class "low" according to the new European Standard Eurocode 2.

Staff

Prof. Dr. Hugo Bachmann (Guideance)
Dr. Thomas Wenk
Dr. Martin Neujahr
Dr. Alessandro Dazio
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Thomas Paulay

Support

Stiftung des Vereins Schweizerischer Zement-, Kalk- und Gips-Fabrikanten VSZKGF, Zürich (Foundation of Swiss Cement Manufacturers)
Kommission für Technologie und Innovation KTI, Bern (Commission for Technology and Innovation)