Dynamic impact testing on post-tensioned steel rectangular hollow sections; An investigation into the “compression-softening” effect

This paper describes the results of dynamic impact testing on externally axially loaded steel rectangular hollow sections (RHSs) and compares the response to that of externally post-tensioned steel RHSs. Both the fundamental natural bending frequency of the beam sections and the corresponding damping ratios have been calculated from the measured dynamic response of the beam to a series of impact hammer strikes. The validity of the “compression-softening” effect for post-tensioned sections is tested. The implications of the research are vast, as currently, there is significant disagreement among researchers about the effect of pre- and post-tensioning loads on the dynamic characteristics of structures. The fundamental bending frequencies have been calculated and corresponding damping ratio have been calculated from dynamic test results for each axial load level. The bending frequencies have been calculated repeatedly while changing the axial load level and the subsequent changes in both frequency and damping ratio, with increasing axial load level have been analysed to determine if the results are statistically significant. It has been determined that “compression softening” theory is not valid for pre- or post-tensioned sections.