Influence of loading history on ultimate displacement of concrete structures

Technical Abstract

Currently there is considerable interest in displacement-based methods of structural design, with the expectation that these methods may lead to more rational, safer, and cost-effective designs. One of the key features of displacement-based design is the selection of a target ultimate displacement, with this decision based on the performance of laboratory subassemblies.

However, as laboratory loading regimes vary between research institutions throughout the world, it was necessary to establish the influence of the applied loading history on the ultimate displacement of the test subassemblage. Twelve tests, consisting of seven laboratory procedures and five acceleration histories, were conducted.

It was established that the ultimate displacement of the test subassemblage was dependent on the loading history and that previously published methods, such as energy dissipation and comparison of reinforcement strains, did not provide reliable comparisons of test results. It was established that the most accurate way to compare test results was through application of the Park and Ang damage index. Criteria for defining the individual damage states were also provided.