Dynamic Response of Weakened Structures Using Rocking Columns

Abstract eng:
Acceleration response of simple yielding structures is proportional to its structural strength. Therefore, in order to reduce accelerations, to protect structural elements and acceleration-sensitive nonstructural components in inelastic structures, the overall strength of the structure should be decreased. The use of “rocking columns”, a type of double hinged gravity column, is suggested to reduce the strength of part of the lateral load resisting system (weaken the structure) for controlling the story accelerations. A simplified model of the rocking column, verified through experimental tests, was implemented into a nonlinear dynamic analysis platform IDARC2D. A numerical study is conducted to demonstrate that story acceleration responses can be reduced compared to conventional structures. An analytical model of a 1/3 scaled model structure which was tested at University at Buffalo in 1992 is used to evaluate the behavior of several weakening alternatives. The analytical results show that rocking columns are an effective means of weakening the structure to reduce story accelerations. However, such columns have both non-negligible stiffness and strength prior to rocking, which in turn affects both the local and global behavior of the structure.

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