Equivalent multi-phase similitude law for pseudodynamic test on small scale reinforced concrete models

Small scale models have been frequently used to experimentally investigate the seismic performance at structures because capacities of testing facilities are limited and because they are more economically viable. However. not enough studies have been carried out on the development of similitude laws for accurately analogizing prototype structures with small scale models. Furthermore. conventional similitude requirements based on geometry may not be suitable in the inelastic range. When a small scale model of a prototype reinforced concrete structure is fabricated from a similar material to the prototype, an added mass would generally be required due to the volumetric variation, while the scale factor, as a ratio of the scale model to the prototype, cannot be sufficiently reduced due to the limitation of aggregate size. As an alternative, for small scale models it is desirable to use materials that are dissimilar to those of the prototype. Thus, a modified similitude law can be derived that depends on the geometric scale factor, equivalent modulus ratio and peak strain ratio. In this study, compressive strength tests were carried out to analyze the equivalent modulus ratio of micro-concrete to normal-concrete. The equivalent modulus ratios could then be divided into multi phases of strain level, which are basically dependent on the peak strain level at ultimate strength. An algorithm adaptable to the pseudodynamic test was therefore developed that considers an equivalent multi-phase similitude law based entirely on strain levels. Prior to carrying out the physical experiments, a numerical simulation was performed by idealizing the designed specimens to a single degree of freedom system with a bilinear model, and the pseudodynamic testing algorithm was numerically verified from seismic responses. A prototype and a 1/5 scale model of reinforced concrete columns as a test specimen was designed and fabricated based on the equivalent modulus ratios already defined. As a preliminary test, quasi-static tests on test specimens were carried out and their experimental results were compared using the constant and variable modulus ratios. Furthermore, in the pseudodynamic test on small scale models, it was verified that the modified pseudodynamic testing algorithm that considers the developed equivalent multi-phase similitude law may offer better simulation of the prototype structures than the conventional pseudodynamic testing algorithm. Therefore, it is found that the equivalent multi-phase similitude law would be applicable to the pseudodynamic test on small scale models. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.