| Abstract: | The experimental work and first results of a recently completed experimental research programme investigating the response of reinforced concrete (RC) walls under earthquake (EQ) loading are discussed in this paper. A brief literature review is given as a prelude to the outline of research objectives. The tests are presented in two groups according to the scale of models. For the 1:5 scale tests, a modified similitude relation for small scale reinforced concrete dynamic modelling is developed. Based on the chosen model parameters, the design of the isolated RC walls is given. The test-rig set-up and the EQ input signals suitable for testing the model on the Imperial College shake-table are also discussed. Preliminary observations regarding stiffness, strength and failure modes of the RC wall models are given. Experimental results from the shake-table are compared to tests, at the same scale, under static cyclic conditions. For the scale 1:2–5 cyclic tests a different test-rig assembly is designed. The test results are given in three pairs of flexurally similar walls followed with general observations and discussion. Finally, conclusions are drawn regarding experimental procedures and behaviour patterns of the tested models. |
