Quasi-static test of precast reinforced concrete shear wall structure

In order to study the seismic behavior of precast reinforced concrete shear wall structure, a three-story full-scale model was built in laboratory for an elastic quasi-static test and an elasto-plastic pseudo-dynamic substructure test. This paper introduces the design of the experiment model and the construction process including the key connection technique. Then the quasi-static test of the full-scale model is described. This paper presents the hysteretic curves, stiffness degradation curve and the detailed data of stiffness degradation of the full-scale model under cyclic loading. The initial study on the dynamic characteristics is presented and is the basis of the following pseudo-dynamic substructure test. The stiffness degradation analysis shows that the stiffness degradation is significant before visible micro cracks are developed on the precast reinforced concrete shear wall test model. This indicates that the overall seismic energy dissipation capacity of the structure can be enhanced if the connections between precast members have adequate deformation capacities. This new feature of precast RC shear wall structure still needs further experimental and theoretical studies so that it can be applied in actual seismic design.