Shake Table Testing of a Self-Centering Post-Tensioned Steel Frame

Abstract eng:
This paper describes seismic shake table tests on a 3-story, 2-bay, steel plane frame model incorporating novel Self-Centering Post-Tensioned (SCPT) connections. This system, unlike traditional welded steel frames, implements high strength post-tensioned strands along with sacrificial yielding elements in each beam-to-column connection and is particularly appealing for important buildings from an initial investment stand point. In order to increase the scale of the specimen as much as possible, the plane test frame was sandwiched between existing gravity supported masses. This allowed the seismic testing of a three-story structure incorporating exterior and interior SCPT connections over the three stories. For comparison purposes, a second conventional fully-welded Steel Moment Resisting Frame (SMRF) with similar beam and column sections as those of the SCPT frame was also tested. Those two test models were subjected to various ground motions of increasing intensities. The results of the tests indicated that the displacement response of the SCPT frame was very similar as that of the fully-welded SMRF but the acceleration response was reduced. While the beams of the SMRF yielded under the largest seismic excitations, the energy dissipation mechanism of the SCPT frame was limited to the Energy Dissipating (ED) bars without inelastic deformations of the beams and columns. This result suggested that significant saving would be associated with the repair of the SCPT building by replacing the ED bars compared to the replacement of the damaged beams or columns in the SMRF building after earthquakes.

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