Evaluating performance of post‐tensioned steel connections with strands and reduced flange plates

The seismic performance of post‐tensioned steel connections for moment‐resisting frames was examined experimentally and analytically. Cyclic tests were conducted on three full‐scale subassemblies, which had two steel beams post‐tensioned to a concrete‐filled tube (CFT) column with high‐strength strands to provide recentring response. Reduced flange plates (RFPs) welded to the column and bolted to the beam flange were used to increase the dissipation of energy. Test results indicated that (1) the proposed buckling‐restrained RFP could dissipate energy in axial tension and compression, (2) the subassemblies could reach an interstorey drift of 4% without strength degradation, and (3) buckling of the beam occurred towards an interstorey drift of 5%, causing a loss of the strand force, the recentring response, and the moment capacity. A general‐purpose non‐linear finite element analysis program (ABAQUS) was used to perform a correlation study. The behaviour of the steel beam under both post‐tensioning and flexural loadings was compared to the test results and predictions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic response of self‐centring hysteretic SDOF systems

The seismic response of single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) systems incorporating flag‐shaped hysteretic structural behaviour, with self‐centring capability, is investigated numerically. For a SDOF system with a given initial period and strength level, the flag‐shaped hysteretic behaviour is fully defined by a post‐yielding stiffness parameter and an energy‐dissipation parameter. A comprehensive parametric study was conducted to determine the influence of these parameters on SDOF structural response, in terms of displacement ductility, absolute acceleration and absorbed energy. This parametric study was conducted using an ensemble of 20 historical earthquake records corresponding to ordinary ground motions having a probability of exceedence of 10% in 50 years, in California. The responses of the flag‐shaped hysteretic SDOF systems are compared against the responses of similar bilinear elasto‐plastic hysteretic SDOF systems. In this study the elasto‐plastic hysteretic SDOF systems are assigned parameters representative of steel moment resisting frames (MRFs) with post‐Northridge welded beam‐to‐column connections. In turn, the flag‐shaped hysteretic SDOF systems are representative of steel MRFs with newly proposed post‐tensioned energy‐dissipating connections. Building structures with initial periods ranging from 0.1 to 2.0s and having various strength levels are considered. It is shown that a flag‐shaped hysteretic SDOF system of equal or lesser strength can always be found to match or better the response of an elasto‐plastic hysteretic SDOF system in terms of displacement ductility and without incurring any residual drift from the seismic event. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hysteretic model development and seismic response of unbonded post‐tensioned precast CFT segmental bridge columns

The study investigated the cyclic behavior of unbonded, post‐tensioned, precast concrete‐filled tube segmental bridge columns by loading each specimen twice. Moreover, a stiffness‐degrading flag‐shaped (SDFS) hysteretic model was developed based on self‐centering and stiffness‐degrading behaviors. The proposed model overcomes the deficiency of cyclic behavior prediction using a FS model, which self‐centers with fixed elastic and inelastic stiffnesses. Experimental and analytical results showed that (1) deformation capabilities of the column under the first and second cyclic tests were similar; however, energy dissipation capacities significantly differed from each other, and (2) the SDFS model predicted the cyclic response of the column better than the FS model. Inelastic time‐history analyses were performed to demonstrate the dynamic response variability of a single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) system using both models. A parametric study, performed on SDOF systems subjected to eight historical earthquakes, showed that increased displacement ductility demand was significant for structures with a low period and low‐to‐medium yield strength ratio and reduced displacement ductility demand in these systems was effectively attained by increasing energy dissipation capacity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rocking damage‐free steel column base with friction devices: design procedure and numerical evaluation

Earthquake‐resilient steel frames, such as self‐centering frames or frames with passive energy dissipation devices, have been extensively studied during the past decade, but little attention has been paid to their column bases. The paper presents a rocking damage‐free steel column base, which uses post‐tensioned high‐strength steel bars to control rocking behavior and friction devices to dissipate seismic energy. Contrary to conventional steel column bases, the rocking column base exhibits monotonic and cyclic moment–rotation behaviors that are easily described using simple analytical equations. Analytical equations are provided for different cases including structural limit states that involve yielding or loss of post‐tensioning in the post‐tensioned bars. A step‐by‐step design procedure is presented, which ensures damage‐free behavior, self‐centering capability, and adequate energy dissipation capacity for a predefined target rotation. A 3D nonlinear finite element (FE) model of the column base is developed in abaqus . The results of the FE simulations validate the accuracy of the moment–rotation analytical equations and demonstrate the efficiency of the design procedure. Moreover, a simplified model for the column base is developed in OpenSees . Comparisons among the OpenSees and abaqus models demonstrate the efficiency of the former and its adequacy to be used in nonlinear dynamic analysis. A prototype steel building is designed as a self‐centering moment‐resisting frame with conventional or rocking column bases. Nonlinear dynamic analyses show that the rocking column base fully protects the first story columns from yielding and eliminates the first story residual drift without any detrimental effect on peak interstory drifts. The study focuses on the 2D rocking motion and, thus, ignores 3D rocking effects such as biaxial bending deformations in the friction devices. The FE models, the analytical equations, and the design procedure will be updated and validated to cover 3D rocking motion effects after forthcoming experimental tests on the column base. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic behavior and strength capacity of steel tube‐reinforced concrete composite columns

The steel tube‐reinforced concrete (ST‐RC) composite column is a novel type of composite column, which consists of a steel tube embedded in RC. In this paper, the seismic behavior of ST‐RC columns is examined through a series of experiments in which 10 one‐third scale column specimens were subjected to axial forces and lateral cyclic loading. The test variables include the axial force ratio applied to the columns and the amount of transverse reinforcement. All specimens failed in a flexural mode, showing stable hysteresis loops. Thanks to the steel tube and the high‐strength concrete it is filled with, the ST‐RC column specimens had approximately 30% lower axial force ratios and 22% higher maximum bending moments relative to the comparable RC columns when subjected to identical axial compressive loads. The amount of transverse reinforcement made only a small difference to the lateral load‐carrying capacity but significantly affected the deformation and energy dissipation capacity of the ST‐RC columns. The specimens that satisfied the requirements for transverse reinforcement adopted for medium ductile RC columns as specified by the Chinese Code for Seismic Design of Buildings (GB 50011‐2010) and EuroCode 8 achieved an ultimate drift ratio of around 0.03 and a displacement ductility ratio of approximately 5. The design formulas used to evaluate the strength capacity of the ST‐RC columns were developed on the basis of the superposition method. The predictions from the formulas showed good agreement with the test results, with errors no greater than 10%. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cyclic behavior of precast segmental concrete bridge columns with high performance or conventional steel reinforcing bars as energy dissipation bars

The cyclic behavior of precast segmental concrete bridge columns with high performance (HP) steel reinforcing bars and that with conventional steel reinforcing bars as energy dissipation (ED) bars were investigated. The HP steel reinforcing bars are characterized by higher strength, greater ductility, and superior corrosion resistance compared with the conventional steel reinforcing bars. Three large‐scale columns were tested. One was designed with the HP ED bars and two with the conventional ED bars. The HP ED bars were fully bonded to the concrete. The conventional ED bars were fully bonded to the concrete for one column, whereas unbonded for a length to delay fracture of the bars and to increase energy dissipation for the other column. Test results showed that the column with the HP ED bars had greater drift capacity, higher lateral strength, and larger energy dissipation than that with fully bonded conventional ED bars. The column with unbonded conventional ED bars achieved the same drift capacity and similar energy dissipation capacity as that with the HP ED bars. All the three columns showed good self‐centering capability with residual drifts not greater than 0.4% drift. An analytical model referred to as joint bar‐slip rotation method for pushover analysis of segmental columns with ED bars is proposed. The model calculates joint rotation from the slip of the ED bars from two sides of the joint. Good agreement was found between analytical predictions and the envelope responses of the three columns. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Performance‐based earthquake engineering assessment of a self‐centering,post‐tensioned concrete bridge system

Highway bridges in highly seismic regions can sustain considerable residual displacements in their columns following large earthquakes. These residual displacements are an important measure of post‐earthquake functionality, and often determine whether or not a bridge remains usable following an earthquake. In this study, a self‐centering system is considered that makes use of unbonded, post‐tensioned steel tendons to provide a restoring force to bridge columns to mitigate the problem of residual displacements. To evaluate the proposed system, a code‐conforming, case‐study bridge structure is analyzed both with conventional reinforced concrete columns and with self‐centering, post‐tensioned columns using a formalized performance‐based earthquake engineering (PBEE) framework. The PBEE analysis allows for a quantitative comparison of the relative performance of the two systems in terms of engineering parameters such as peak drift ratio as well as more readily understood metrics such as expected repair costs and downtime. The self‐centering column system is found to undergo similar peak displacements to the conventional system, but sustains lower residual displacements under large earthquakes, resulting in similar expected repair costs but significantly lower expected downtimes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Large‐scale seismic tests of tall concrete bridge columns with precast segmental construction

Past experimental studies have shown that existing precast segmental concrete bridge columns possess unsatisfactory hysteretic energy dissipation capacity, which is an undesirable feature for applications in seismic regions. In this research, we propose new methods of precast segment construction for tall concrete bridge columns to enhance the columns' hysteretic energy dissipation capacity and lateral strength. This is accomplished by adding bonded mild steel reinforcing bars across the segment joints, strengthening the joint at the base of the column and increasing the height of the base segment (hinge segment). Four large‐scale column specimens were fabricated and tested with lateral cyclic loading in the laboratory. Each specimen consisted of a foundation and 9 or 10 precast column segments. Test results of specimens with the proposed design concepts showed ductile behavior and satisfactory hysteretic energy dissipation capacity. In addition to the experimental study, an analytical study using the finite element method was conducted to understand the bond conditions, strain contours and deformation patterns of the specimens tested. Good agreement was found between the experimental observations and the results of the calibrated analytical study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cyclic tests on a hybrid coupled wall utilizing a rocking mechanism

A new type of hybrid coupled wall system, consisting of rolled steel coupling beams, reinforced concrete (RC) wall piers, and concrete‐filled tube (CFT) short columns, is introduced. In this new system, the bases of the wall piers are connected to the base beams only through CFT short columns, unlike conventional coupled walls. Yield occurs in the coupling beams and the short columns; hence, in the RC wall piers, only minimum cracking appears. A total of four subassembly specimens, designed to fail in various collapse mechanisms, were cyclically loaded under constant axial force. A benchmark specimen showed ductile behavior with large energy dissipation until fracture occurred in the coupling beam. In the specimen designed to fail in shear in its CFT, substantial axial shortening was observed, but the overall behavior was ductile. Behavior of specimens with small amounts of section steel in the wall panel fringe, or with thin wall panels, also showed ductile behavior, but the strength and energy dissipation were significantly smaller than other two specimens. An analytical model was proposed for a frame analysis program using fiber elements to simulate elastic–plastic behavior of the system. Design methods to prevent shear failure of CFT and RC panels are suggested using the analytical and test results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Self‐centering steel connections with steel bars and a discontinuous composite slab

Six cyclic tests were conducted on three full‐scale subassemblies to investigate the behavior of interior beam‐to‐column post‐tensioned (PT) connections. Strands were placed along each side of the steel beam web, passing through the steel column to provide precompression between the beams and a column. Top and bottom energy‐dissipating (ED) bars, passing through the column and welded to the beam, were used to increase the moment capacity and ED capacity of the connection. One of the subassemblies also had a composite concrete slab with discontinuity at the column centerline to eliminate restraint from the metal deck, reinforcement, and welded wire mesh. The objectives of this paper were to investigate the following: the durability of the connection by loading each specimen twice, the ED capacity of the ED bar, and the effects that the type of ED bar and type of composite slab have on the self‐centering behavior of the connection. The experimental results showed that: (1) the connection could sustain severe inelastic cyclic loading at least twice without strength degradation, (2) the ED capacity of the bar was much larger than that dissipated by a single AISC loading protocol, and (3) a specimen with a discontinuous composite slab, which opened freely at the centerline of the column, ensured the same self‐centering hysteretic behavior as the bare steel specimen. However, the decompression moment of the PT connection decreased significantly at each interstory drift, resulting in an early opening of a gap at the beam–column interface. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical models and ductile ultimate deformation response of post‐tensioned self‐centering moment connections

New steel moment‐resisting connections that incorporate post‐tensioning elements to provide a self‐centering capacity and devices to dissipate seismic input energy have recently been proposed and experimentally validated. Experimental studies have confirmed that these connections are capable of undergoing large lateral deformations with negligible residual drifts. To facilitate their implementation, accurate modeling of the behavior of systems incorporating post‐tensioned connections must be readily available to designers and researchers. A number of simplified models have been suggested in the literature by researchers trying to capture experimental results at the beam–column connections and thereby to predict the global response of structures incorporating such connections. To provide a clear set of guidelines for the modeling of post‐tensioned steel frames, for practicing engineers as well as researchers, in this paper three types of numerical models of increasing complexity are presented: (i) a sectional analysis procedure, (ii) a lumped plasticity spring frame leveled approach and (iii) a non‐linear solid finite element analysis to predict the response at ultimate deformation levels. The analytical results obtained from the numerical models predict well the structural behavior of these connections when compared with available experimental data. Even at the ultimate deformation level, analytical results are in good agreement with test results. Furthermore, detailing requirements are proposed to assure that flexural hinges form in the beams in order to improve the cyclic response of steel self‐centering connections when drifts exceeding the design drifts are imposed to the system. Experimental and analytical studies demonstrate that steel post‐tensioned self‐centering connections incorporating the proposed detailing in the beams develop an increased deformation capacity and thereby exhibit a ductile response while avoiding a sudden loss of their strength and stiffness. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic performance of a 3D full‐scale high‐ductile steel–concrete composite moment‐resisting frame—Part II: Test results and analytical validation

This paper presents the results of a multi‐level pseudo‐dynamic seismic test program that was performed to assess the performance of a full‐scale three‐bay, two‐storey steel–concrete composite moment‐resisting frame built with partially encased composite columns and partial‐strength beam‐to‐column joints. The system was designed to develop a ductile response in the joint components of beam‐to‐column joints including flexural yielding of beam end plates and shear yielding of the column web panel zone. The ground motion producing the damageability limit state interstorey drift caused minor damage while the ultimate limit state ground motion level entailed column web panel yielding, connection yielding and plastic hinging at the column base connections. The earthquake level chosen to approach the collapse limit state induced more damage and was accompanied by further column web panel yielding, connection yielding and inelastic phenomena at column base connections without local buckling. During the final quasi‐static cyclic test with stepwise increasing displacement–amplitudes up to an interstorey drift angle of 4.6%, the behaviour was ductile although cracking of beam‐to‐end‐plate welds was observed. Correlations with numerical simulations taking into account the inelastic cyclic response of beam‐to‐column and column base joints are also presented in the paper together. Inelastic static pushover and time history analysis procedures are used to estimate the structural behaviour and overstrength factors of the structural system under study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cyclic performance and simplified pushover analyses of precast segmental concrete bridge columns with circular section

In recent years, precast segmental concrete bridge columns became prevalent because of the benefits of accelerated construction, low environmental impact, high quality and low life cycle costs. The lack of a detailed configuration and appropriate design procedure to ensure a comparable performance with monolithic construction has impeded this structural system from being widely used in areas of high seismicity. In this study, precast segmental bridge column cyclic loading tests were conducted to investigate the performance of unbonded post-tensioned segmental bridge columns. One monolithic and two precast segmental columns were tested. The precast segmental column exhibited minor damage and small residual displacement after the maximum 7% cyclic drift; energy dissipation (ED) can be enhanced byadding ED bars. The experimental results were modeled by a simplified pushover method (SPOM), as well as a fiber model (FIBM) finite element method. Forty-five cases of columns with different aspect ratios, axial load ratios and ED bar ratios were analyzed with the SPOM and FIBM, respectively. Using these parametric results, a simplified design method was suggested by regressive analysis. Satisfactory correlation was found between the experimental results and the simplified design method for precast segmental columns with different design parameters.     

Inelastic displacement demand of bridge columns considering shear–flexure interaction

Reinforced concrete bridge columns exhibit complex hysteretic behavior owing to combined action of shear, bending moment, and axial force under multi‐directional seismic shakings. The inelastic displacement of columns can be increased by shear–flexure interaction (SFI). This paper develops a simple yet reliable demand model for estimating the inelastic displacement and ductility based on the nonlinear time history analyses of 24 full‐size columns subject to a suite of near‐fault ground motions. A coupled hysteretic model is used to simulate the shear‐flexure interactive (SFI) behavior of columns and the accumulated material damage during loading reversals, including pinching, strength deterioration, and stiffness softening. Guided by rigorous dimensional analysis, the inelastic displacement responses of bridge columns are presented in dimensionless form showing remarkable order. A dimensionless nonlinearity index is derived taking into account of the column strength, ground motion amplitude, and softening or hardening post‐yield behavior. Strong correlation is revealed between the normalized inelastic displacement and the dimensionless structure‐to‐pulse frequency, the dimensionless nonlinearity index as well as the aspect ratio. Two regressive equations for displacement and ductility demands are proposed and validated against the simulation results. The SFI effects are discussed and included explicitly through the aspect ratio in the proposed model. This study offers a new way to realistically predict the inelastic displacement of columns directly from structural and ground motion characteristics. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cyclic behaviour of interior beam–column joints reinforced with plain bars

The seismic damages commonly observed on beam–column joints of old reinforced concrete structures, built with plain bars and without proper detailing, justifies the need to further study the behaviour of this type of structures. The response of these structures when loaded cyclically, as occurs during the earthquakes, is partially controlled by the bond properties between the reinforcing bars and the surrounding concrete. This paper presents the results of an experimental campaign of unidirectional cyclic tests carried out on six full‐scale beam–column joints built with plain bars. These joint specimens are representative of existing reinforced concrete structures, that is, built without adequate reinforcement detailing for seismic demands. For comparison, an additional specimen is built with deformed bars and tested. The seven specimens are designed and detailed to allow the investigation of the influence of bond properties, lapping of the longitudinal bars in columns and beams, bent‐up bars in the beams, slab contribution and concrete strength. The lateral force–drift relationships, global dissipated energy evolution, contribution of the joint, beams and columns to the global dissipated energy, ductility, equivalent damping, final damage observed, homogenized reinforced concrete damage index, displacement components, curvature evolutions and Eurocode requirements are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete frames using buckling‐restrained braces with bearing block load transfer mechanism

A new method of retrofitting reinforced concrete (RC) frames with buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs) to improve frame strength, stiffness and energy dissipation is proposed. Instead of typical post‐installed anchors, load is transferred between the BRB and RC frame through compression bearing between an installed steel frame connected to the BRB, and high‐strength mortar blocks constructed at the four corners of the RC frame. This avoids complex on‐site anchor installation, and does not limit the allowable brace force by the anchor strength. Cyclic displacements of increasing amplitudes were imposed on two RC frame specimens retrofitted with different BRB strength capacities. In one of the frames, the bearing blocks were reinforced with wire mesh to mitigate cracking. A third RC frame was also tested as a benchmark to evaluate the retrofit strength and stiffness enhancements. Test results indicate that the proposed method efficiently transferred loads between the BRBs and RC frames, increasing the frame lateral strength while achieving good ductility and energy‐dissipating capacity. When the bearing block was reinforced with wire mesh, the maximum frame lateral strength and stiffness were more than 2.2 and 3.5 times the RC frame without the BRB respectively. The BRB imposes additional shear demands through the bearing blocks to both ends of the RC beam and column member discontinuity regions (D‐regions). The softened strut‐and‐tie model satisfactorily estimated the shear capacities of the D‐regions. A simplified calculation and a detailed PISA3D analysis were shown to effectively predict member demands to within 13.8% difference of the measured test results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

强柱系数基于结构易损性的抗震性能评估

增大柱端抗弯承载力是抗震"能力设计"措施中引导钢筋混凝土框架结构形成梁铰型有利耗能机构的关键措施。本文以6层确定性钢筋混凝土框架结构为分析对象,通过结构易损性分析评估了不同强柱系数取值对钢筋混凝土框架结构抗震性能的影响。结构易损性分析表明增大柱端抗弯承载力是改善结构抗震性能的有效措施,增大强柱系数提高了结构的变形能力,使不同破坏极限状态之间形成较大的"梯度",对防止强烈地震作用下结构的突然倒塌提供了预示。结构易损性曲线对评估结构抗震性能、选用合适的目标强柱系数提供了量化标准。     

Quasi‐static and pseudo‐dynamic testing of unbonded post‐tensioned rocking bridge piers with external replaceable dissipaters

It has been well documented that following a major earthquake a substantial percentage of economic loss results from downtime of essential lifelines in and out of major urban centres. This has thus led to an improvement of both performance‐based seismic design philosophies and to the development of cost‐effective seismic structural systems capable of guaranteeing a high level of protection, low structural damage and reduced downtime after a design‐level seismic event. An example of such technology is the development of unbonded post‐tensioned techniques in combination with rocking–dissipating connections. In this contribution, further advances in the development of high‐performance seismic‐resistant bridge piers are achieved through the experimental validation of unbonded post‐tensioned bridge piers with external, fully replaceable, mild steel hysteretic dissipaters. The experimental response of three 1 : 3 scale unbonded, post‐tensioned cantilever bridge piers, subjected to quasi‐static and pseudo‐dynamic loading protocols, are presented and compared with an equivalently reinforced monolithic benchmark. Minimal physical damage is observed for the post‐tensioned systems, which exhibit very stable energy dissipation and re‐centring properties. Furthermore, the external dissipaters can be easily replaced if severely damaged under a major (higher than expected) earthquake event. Thus, negligible residual deformations, limited repair costs and downtime can be achieved for critical lifeline components. Satisfactory analytical–experimental comparisons are also presented as a further confirmation of the reliability of the design procedure and of the modelling techniques. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Column restraint in post‐tensioned self‐centering moment frames

Gaps between beam‐to‐column interfaces in a post‐tensioned (PT) self‐centering frame with more than one column are constrained by columns, which causes beam compression force different from the applied PT force. This study proposes an analytical method for evaluating column bending stiffness and beam compression force by modeling column deformation according to gap‐openings at all stories. The predicted compression forces in the beams are validated by a cyclic analysis of a three‐story PT frame and by cyclic tests of a full‐scale, two‐bay by first‐story PT frame, which represents a substructure of the three‐story PT frame. The proposed method shows that compared with the strand tensile force, the beam compression force is increased at the 1st story but is decreased at the 2nd and 3rd stories due to column deformation compatibility. The PT frame tests show that the proposed method reasonably predicts beam compression force and strand force and that the beam compression force is 2 and 60% larger than the strand force with respect to a minor restraint and a pin‐supported boundary condition, respectively, at the tops of the columns. Therefore, the earlier method using a pin‐supported boundary condition at upper story columns represents an upper bound of the effect and is shown to be overly conservative for cases where a structure responds primarily in its first mode. The proposed method allows for more accurate prediction of the column restraint effects for structures that respond in a pre‐determined mode shape which is more typical of low and mid‐rise structures. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.