Seismic performance of high‐strength steel framed‐tube structures with web‐bolted double‐channel shear links

Abstract

Summary An innovative high‐strength steel framed‐tube structure system with web‐bolted double‐channel shear links (SFTS‐WSL) is introduced herein as an alternative solution to strengthening the seismic performance and earthquake resilience of structures while maintaining the recognized advantages of conventional steel framed‐tube structures (SFTS). In the SFTS‐WSL, the shear links consist of a double‐channel section connected to the ends of spandrel beams via web‐bolted connections. A 2/3‐scale subassembly was tested under cyclic loading to investigate the seismic behavior and replaceability of the links. The results indicate that the expected ductile failure mode is characterized by the web fracture of the links. To readily replace the links, the allowable residual story drift ratio should be 0.31%. Thereafter, a simplified numerical model was developed using OpenSees, which provides accurate predictions for the hysteretic response of the SFTS‐WSL. Additionally, the superior performance of the SFTS‐WSL was benchmarked against that of the SFTS. Under the maximum considered earthquake conditions, the average base shear and inter‐story drift ratio (IDR) of the SFTS‐WSL were 18.33% and 15.13% lower than those of the SFTS, respectively. Meanwhile, a small residual IDR of well below 0.31% enabled replacement of the damaged links to achieve post‐earthquake repair.

Effect of Loading Rate and Initial Strain on Seismic Performance of an Innovative Self-Centering SMA Brace

“…In major earthquakes, buckling-restrained brace frames [ 1 ] and eccentrically braced frames [ 2 ] demonstrate high stiffness, high ductility, and good energy dissipating capacity. However, conventional steel frames may develop severe residual deformations and structural damage when subjected to strong earthquakes [ 3 , 4 ] In recent years, the concept of a re-centering mechanism for civil structures has been proposed; it was considered to be an efficient way to reduce residual deformation and to further improve the energy dissipating capacity of these structures [ 5 , 6 ]. Therefore, many kinds of steel frames with self-centering devices were proposed, and have demonstrated the advantages of high stiffness, low residual deformation, and easy construction [ 7 , 8 ].…”