Fundamental Frequency Testing of Reinforced Concrete Beams

Tests were conducted to measure the fundamental frequencies of reinforced concrete beams. Beams were tested prior to load application and after they had been loaded to various fractions of their ultimate moment capacity. Dynamic testing was performed in an unloaded state in both the direction of loading and in the direction perpendicular to loading. Resulting fundamental frequencies were used to determine the dynamic flexural stiffness (EdI) relative to the undamaged flexural stiffness. Results show that fundamental frequency tests can effectively measure decreases in dynamic flexural stiffness caused by flexural cracking. However, the effective moment of inertia in the relaxed state is not accurately predicted by American Concrete Institute recommendations for computing static beam deflections. Equations were developed to describe the effective flexural stiffness of unloaded, cracked beams. A relative dynamic flexural stiffness value of 70 provides a conservative prediction that a beam has failed by being loaded to its ultimate moment capacity.