Self-centering seismic-resistant structures: Historical overview and state-of-the-art

Abstract

This state-of-the-art review provides an overview of the evolution of self-centering structures from early historical structures that inherently exhibited a recentering response to modern systems engineered for enhanced seismic resilience. From the early research investigations that were conducted since the 1960s, to the sharp increase of interest in this topic over the last two decades, self-centering seismic-resistant structures that can mitigate both damage and residual drifts following major earthquakes have seen significant advances. These systems achieve the intended self-centering response by either allowing for the rocking of primary structural elements in a controlled manner, commonly coupled with mechanical restraints and energy dissipation devices, or by including self-centering devices as main structural or supplemental structural members. To better explain the concepts and the underlying mechanics governing their seismic response, detailed schematic illustrations were developed in this article, highlighting the fundamentals behind each of these systems. This article covers a historical overview, presents the state of the research and of the art, discusses general design challenges and practical considerations, and concludes with future research needs to advance the development and broader application of self-centering systems in real structures.

Shear‐controlling rocking‐isolation podium system for enhanced resilience of high‐rise buildings

“…Connections between the rocking core wall and the gravity system elements also require special consideration to accommodate the rocking-induced uplift of the core wall relative to the gravity systems while properly transferring the inertial forces from the gravity systems to the core wall. Different types of connections have been proposed for typical rocking frame and wall systems [40][41][42] that can be used in the SCRIP system as well to decouple the core wall uplift from the gravity system.…”

Finite element modeling of free‐standing cylindrical columns under seismic excitation

“…It is worth studying because it can describe a plethora of structures: First, since uplift works as a mechanical fuse, rocking can be used as a seismic design strategy for both bridges and buildings. 23,[25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33] Second, the out-of-plane response of masonry walls is a form of rocking motion. [34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47] Third, ancient Greco-Roman and Chinese temples, as well as other monumental structures of historical significance respond mainly in rocking mode.…”

“…82 Notably, the concept of statistical validation could also be applied to Masonry and Reinforced Concrete structures. 83,84 Reggiani Manzo et al showed 23 that the response of a rocking structure made of precast RC elements was also predictable in the statistical sense.…”

“…The rocking oscillator is the one that can uplift from its base when subjected to sufficiently strong ground motion excitation (Figure 1). It is worth studying because it can describe a plethora of structures: First, since uplift works as a mechanical fuse, rocking can be used as a seismic design strategy for both bridges 1–24 and buildings 23,25–33 . Second, the out‐of‐plane response of masonry walls is a form of rocking motion 34–47 .…”

“…Reggiani Manzo et al. showed 23 that the response of a rocking structure made of precast RC elements was also predictable in the statistical sense.…”