Cyclic testing of low-strength plain concrete

Abstract

This study investigates the cyclic performance of low-strength plain concrete (LSPC) between 5 MPa and 10 MPa. In highly seismic regions, deficient reinforced concrete (RC) structures have low concrete strength and the seismic evaluation of such RC structures depends on knowledge of the stress–strain relation of confined and unconfined concrete. An experimental study was thus undertaken to determine the mechanical properties of LSPC. The test results indicate that the axial strain of LSPC at peak stress varied between 0·0025 and 0·0055 with respect to concrete strength and aggregate type. Furthermore, it was observed that the cyclic behaviour of LSPC cannot be simulated with a well-known model proposed in the literature. The model predicted the cyclic behaviour of LSPC in terms of residual strain and elastic modulus with a high error. In addition, the modulus of LSPC was not predicted by equations defined in the code. Finally, it was observed that the cyclic behaviours of LSPC significantly depend on the characteristics of the aggregate.