Experiments to study seismic drift of reinforced concrete structures

Abstract

Earthquake-simulation tests of fifteen reinforced concrete single-degree-of-freedom systems were made to provide benchmark data for studying nonlinear drift response. Test variables included strength and initial period of the specimen, and frequency content and intensity of simulated earthquake motions.

Analysis of measured response identified three tools for estimating seismic drift of structures. An idealized linear response spectrum for a damping ratio of 0.02 can be used to provide a quick check of overall drift or to compare structural alternatives. The substitute-structure method provides member design forces that are based on prescribed drift limits and control of damage. For nonlinear response history analysis using Takeda's hysteresis rules, values of five analytical parameters that gave the best results were identified.