COMPRESSION BENDING OF SCALE-MODEL REINFORCED-CONCRETE WALLS

This paper presents the results of 1/16-scale and 1/4-scale experiment s on simple reinforced-concrete wall sections in which structural and material failures occur. The type of load considered is axial compress ion combined with bending. The experiments are intended to provide a s et of well-defined test articles, boundary conditions, and response me asurements for the study of failure and postfailure properties of rein forced-concrete walls. Three experiments at each of two scaled eccentr icities were performed at both scales. Measurements were made of axial force, axial deflection, axial strain, and lateral deflection. The wa lls buckled at the peak load but, because the stroke was controlled, t he loads and responses were measured at postpeak. The repeatability of the results was excellent, and the comparison between scales was also very good. From the basic measurements, auxiliary parameters were ded uced-for example, moment, curvature, and average axial stress and stra in. The reliability of the results is established by their excellent r epeatability, the agreement between the two scales, and agreement (up to peak load) with the classic Hognestad model for combined bending an d thrust. Because the data extend well past peak load, they are useful for checking analytical models for failure and postfailure response.