This project has two overall goals: (a) to develop basic experimental data on the torsional-translational response of reinforced concrete structures in order to test the theory and improve numerical models for nonlinear behavior and (b) to seek relatively simple methods of representing the problem for design applications. Results of the experimental work will be evaluated by studies toward the goals indicated using nonlinear and modified linear models to represent observed behavior. Both dynamic interaction and material interaction affecting the coupled structural response will be investigated. The experiments involve a specially designed specimen which is free to rotate about its horizontal and vertical axes. The tendencies for rotation about Y and X are resisted by reinforced concrete beams. The inertia force is eccentric with respect to the vertical axis. The specimen configuration and the associated experimental setup permits the independent variation of mass, stiffness, and strength from specimen to specimen. Study will include earthquake-simulation testing of eight specimens to investigate the effects of type of earthquake motion, stiffness, and strength on combined torsional-translational response. The project targets at the intersection of theory and experiments, and through deliberately simple design of the test setup, tests existing theories and makes straightforward dynamic modeling possible.
