• Journal of the Earthquake Engineering Society of Korea
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• v.8 no.5 s.39
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• pp.35-43
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• 2004

Small-scale models have been frequently used for seismic performance tests because of limited testing facilities and economic reasons. However, there are not enough studies on similitude law for analogizing prototype structures accurately with small-scale models, although conventional similitude law based on geometry is not well consistent in the inelastic seismic behavior. When fabricating prototype and small-scale model of reinforced concrete structures by using the same material, added mass is demanded from a volumetric change and scale factor could be limited due to aggregate size. Therefore, it is desirable that different material is used for small-scale models. Thus, a modified similitude law could be derived depending on geometric scale factor, equivalent modulus ratio and ultimate strain ratio. In this study, compressive strength tests are conducted to analyze the equivalent modulus ratio of micro-concrete to normal-concrete. Then, equivalent modulus ratios are divided into multi-phase damage levels, which are basically dependent on ultimate strain level. Therefore, an algorithm adaptable to the pseudodynamic test, considering equivalent multi-phase similitude law based on seismic damage levels, is developed. Test specimens, consisted of prototype structures and 1/5 scaled models as a reinforced concrete column, were designed and fabricated based on the equivalent modulus ratios already defined. Finally quasistatic and pseudodynamic tests on the specimens are carried out using constant and variable modulus ratios, and correlation between prototype and small-scale model is investigated based on their test results. It is confirmed that the equivalent multi-phase similitude law proposed in this study could be suitable for seismic performance tests on small-scale models.