| The objective of this study was to develop improved understanding of the seismic behavior of a lightly reinforced concrete (LRC) slab-column structure that was modified by the addition of viscoelastic dampers (VEDs). The study includes both experimental and analytical phases. The feasibility of using VEDs to rehabilitate existing LRC slab-column structures was explored, and implications for structural design were considered.; The experimental phase of the study involved fabricating and testing a model of a section of a three-story military barracks building that was constructed in the mid-1950's. The barracks is a two-bay LRC slab-column frame. The model was constructed at approximately one-third of full-scale. Material properties in the model emulated those of the prototype. Model reinforcement details paralleled prototype details. A rehabilitation scheme using VEDs was designed and implemented. VEDs were mounted in diagonal braces that extended between column lines in the model.; The model was subjected to a series of earthquake simulations on the shaking table at the U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories (USACERL). Experimental measurements included floor and VED displacements, floor accelerations, VED forces, and reinforcement strains. This report describes the design and construction of the model, the testing program, and the data obtained during the testing. Discussion and interpretation of the data follows the data descriptions.; The earthquake simulations while VEDs were installed on the model were a series of gradually increasing intensity replications of two commonly used earthquake records. Simulation intensities were increased until the displacement limits of the shaking table actuators were reached. After that, the VEDs were removed, and a second series of simulations with the bare frame was conducted.; Interpretations of the testing results are provided through the use of linear models of the type that might be used in the design office. The analytical models were used to assess strength, stiffness, and serviceability of the structure. In addition, the analytical models were used to assess the applicability of the linear modeling procedures that have been recommended in Federal Emergency Management Agency document 273, NEHRP Guidelines for the Seismic Rehabilitation of Buildings. |
