Effects of Scale and Loading Rate with Tests of Concrete and Masonry Structures

Static and dynamic response of large‐scale and reduced‐scale test structures are correlated to discern effects attributable to scale and loading rate. Three case studies are presented where reduced‐scale models were subjected to dynamic excitation using a shaking table. The test structures were: (a) multi‐story reinforced masonry building systems, (b) two‐story unreinforced masonry bearing and shear wall systems, and (c) ten‐story reinforced concrete frame‐wall systems. For each study, static testing of either critical components, or of the complete structural system, was done at a large scale to examine differences attributable to the modeling method, or to the loading procedure.