Cyclic Loading Histories for Seismic Experimentation on Structural Components

In order to utilize results obtained from quasi-static cyclic load tests on structural components for a general performance evaluation, the need exists to establish loading histories that capture critical issues of component capacity as well as seismic demands. In inelastic seismic problems capacity and demands cannot be separated since one may strongly depend on the other. Because of cumulative damage issues the capacity depends on the number of inelastic excursions and the magnitude of each excursion (not just the largest one). These two parameters depend on the frequency content of the ground motion, the period(s) of the structure, and the strength and inelastic deformation characteristics of the structure. The paper presents procedures how these characteristics can be considered in the selection of suitable loading histories.