Dynamic FE simulation of four‐story steel frame modeled by solid elements and its validation using results of full‐scale shake‐table test

Dynamic finite element analyses of a four‐story steel building frame modeled as a fine mesh of solid elements are performed using E‐Simulator, which is a parallel finite element analysis software package for precisely simulating collapse behaviors of civil and building structures. E‐Simulator is under development at the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (NIED), Japan. A full‐scale shake‐table test for a four‐story frame was conducted using E‐Defense at NIED, which is the largest shaking table in the world. A mesh of the entire structure of a four‐story frame with approximately 19 million degrees of freedom is constructed using solid elements. The density of the mesh is determined by referring to the results of elastic–plastic buckling analyses of a column of the frame using meshes of different densities. Therefore, the analysis model of the frame is well verified. Seismic response analyses under 60, 100, and 115% excitations of the JR Takatori record of the 1995 Hyogoken‐Nanbu earthquake are performed. Note that the simulation does not reproduce the collapse under the 100% excitation of the Takatori record in the E‐Defense test. Therefore, simulations for the 115% case are also performed. The results obtained by E‐Simulator are compared with those obtained by the E‐Defense full‐scale test in order to validate the results obtained by E‐Simulator. The shear forces and interstory drift angles of the first story obtained by the simulation and the test are in good agreement. Both the response of the entire frame and the local deformation as a result of elastic–plastic buckling are simulated simultaneously using E‐Simulator. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

足尺钢框架振动台试验及动力弹塑性数值模拟

本文通过有限元分析程序OpenSees对一足尺四层钢框架结构进行静力及动力弹塑性分析,结构构件采用自由度较少的纤维模型模拟。在振动台试验之前,预测足尺钢框架结构连续在小震、中震及大震作用下的响应,将预测分析结果与振动台试验结果进行对比,结果显示该数值模拟方法能很好地反映结构的弹塑性行为及破坏机制,准确预测结构的地震响应及大震下结构倒塌时间。这进一步说明基于纤维模型的整体结构弹塑性分析方法,由于自由度数少,适用于整体结构抗震分析。     

Collapse simulation of a four‐story steel moment frame by a distributed online hybrid test

The collapse of a one‐bay, four‐story steel moment frame is simulated in this study by the proposed peer‐to‐peer (P2P) Internet online hybrid test system. The typical beam hinging mechanism, which is ensured by a strong‐column, weak‐beam design, is reproduced. The plastic hinges at the column bases are taken as the experimental portions, while the superstructure is analyzed numerically by a general‐purpose finite element program. The implicit plastic rotations of the two column bases are treated as boundary displacements. In order to account for the complex behavior of the column bases, the P2P system is modified to use the secant stiffness during iterations, and the physical specimens are designed such that the plastic hinge behavior can be obtained. For this study, the three substructures are distributed to different locations. A large ground motion is repeatedly imposed until the column bases lose their capacity to sustain the gravity load. As a result, significant deterioration is observed at both column bases. The proposed P2P system is thus demonstrated to be able to accommodate multiple‐tested substructures involving unstable behavior. The results suggest that the P2P Internet online hybrid test system provides a reliable means of studying structures up to collapse. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Interaction between cladding and structural frame observed in a full‐scale steel building test

Interaction between the external wall cladding and the seismic load resisting frame was examined in a full‐scale cyclic loading test of a three‐storey steel building structure. The building specimen had Autoclaved Lightweight Concrete (ALC, also designated as Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) panels installed and anchored to the structural frame as external wall cladding, using a standard Japanese method developed following the 1995 Kobe earthquake. ALC panelling is among the most widely used material for claddings in Japan. In the test, the ALC panel cladding contributed little to the stiffness and strength of the overall structure, even under a very large storey drift of 0.04 rad. No visible damage was noted in the ALC panels other than minor cracks and spalling of the bottom of the panels in the first storey. Consequently, in a Japanese steel building with properly installed ALC panel cladding, the structural frame is likely to be little affected by its cladding, and the ALC panels are capable of accommodating the maximum storey drift generally considered in structural design without sustaining discernible damage. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical study of a full‐scale six‐story reinforced concrete wall‐frame structure tested at E‐Defense

A full‐scale shake table test on a six‐story reinforced concrete wall frame structure was carried out at E‐Defense, the world's largest three‐dimensional earthquake simulation facility, in January 2006. Story collapse induced from shear failure of shear critical members (e.g., short columns and shear walls) was successfully produced in the test. Insights gained into the seismic behavior of a full‐scale specimen subjected to severe earthquake loads are presented in this paper. To reproduce the collapse process of the specimen and evaluate the ability of analytical tools to predict post‐peak behavior, numerical simulation was also conducted, modeling the seismic behavior of each member with different kinds of models, which differ primarily in their ability to simulate strength decay. Simulated results showed good agreement with the strength‐degrading features observed in post‐peak regions where shear failure of members and concentrated deformation occurred in the first story. The simulated results tended to underestimate observed values such as maximum base shear and maximum displacement. The effects of member model characteristics, torsional response, and earthquake load dimensions (i.e., three‐dimensional effects) on the collapse process of the specimen were also investigated through comprehensive dynamic analyses, which highlighted the following seismic characteristics of the full‐scale specimen: (i) a model that is incapable of simulating a specimen's strength deterioration is inadequate to simulate the post‐peak behavior of the specimen; (ii) the torsional response generated from uniaxial eccentricity in the longitudinal direction was more significant in the elastic range than in the inelastic range; and (iii) three‐dimensional earthquake loads (X–Y–Z axes) generated larger maximum displacement than any other loading cases such as two‐dimensional (X–Y or Y–Z axes) or one‐dimensional (Y axis only) excitation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic design and experiment of single and coupled corner gusset connections in a full‐scale two‐story buckling‐restrained braced frame

A gusset plate is subjected to forces induced from a buckling‐restrained brace (BRB) and frame action. In this study, a performance‐based design method of the gusset connections incorporating a BRB and frame actions is investigated. The force demands resulting from the BRB axial force are computed from the generalized uniform force method. The force demands induced from the frame action effects primarily result from beam shear. A conservative method, which considers the beam axial force effect and the thereafter reduced beam flexural capacity possibly developed at the gusset tips, is adopted in estimating the maximum beam shear. An improved equivalent strut model is used to represent the gusset plate subjected to the frame action effect. The total force demands of the gusset connection are combined from the BRB force and the frame actions. For design purposes, the stress distributions on the gusset interfaces are linearized. The maximum von Mises stress combining the normal and shear stresses is considered as the demand for the gusset plate design. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed design method, experiments on a two‐story full‐scale buckling‐restrained braced frame (BRBF) were performed. The chevron and single diagonal brace configurations were arranged in the second and the first stories, respectively. Two different corner gusset connection configurations including one single corner gusset and one coupled corner gusset connection, where two braces in adjacent stories joined at the same beam‐to‐column joint, were tested. The BRBF specimen was subjected to cyclically increasing lateral displacements with a maximum frame drift of 0.04 rad. The maximum story drifts reached 0.035 and 0.061 rad. in the first and the second stories, respectively. At the end of the tests, no fractures were observed on any of the gusset interfaces. Along the gusset interfaces, the normal and shear stress distributions computed from the proposed design procedures and the FEM analysis correlated well with the experimental results. This paper concludes with the procedure and recommendations for the performance‐based design of gusset connections. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental tests on full‐scale RC unretrofitted frame and retrofitted with buckling‐restrained braces

The results of experimental tests carried out on reinforced concrete (RC) full‐scale 2‐storey 2‐bays framed buildings are presented. The unretrofitted frame was designed for gravity loads only and without seismic details; such frame was assumed as a benchmark system in this study. A similar RC frame was retrofitted with buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs). The earthquake structural performance of both prototypes was investigated experimentally using displacement‐controlled pushover static and cyclic lateral loads. Modal response properties of the prototypes were also determined before and after the occurrence of structural damage. The results of the dynamic response analyses were utilized to assess the existing design rules for the estimation of the elastic and inelastic period of vibrations. Similarly, the values of equivalent damping were compared with code‐base relationships. It was found that the existing formulations need major revisions when they are used to predict the structural response of as‐built RC framed buildings. The equivalent damping ratio ξ_eq was augmented by more than 50% when the BRBs was employed as bracing system. For the retrofitted frame, the overstrength Ω and the ductility µ are 1.6 and 4.1, respectively; the estimated R‐factor is 6.5. The use of BRBs is thus a viable means to enhance efficiently the lateral stiffness and strength, the energy absorption and dissipation capacity of the existing RC substandard frame buildings. The foundation systems and the existing members of the superstructure are generally not overstressed as the seismic demand imposed on them can be controlled by the axial stiffness and the yielding force of the BRBs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Multiobjective optimization for performance‐based seismic design of steel moment frame structures

The performance‐based seismic design of steel special moment‐resisting frame (SMRF) structures is formulated as a multiobjective optimization problem, in which conflicting design criteria that respectively reflect the present capital investment and the future seismic risk are treated simultaneously as separate objectives other than stringent constraints. Specifically, the initial construction expenses are accounted for by the steel material weight as well as by the number of different standard steel section types, the latter roughly quantifying the degree of design complexity related additional construction cost; the seismic risk is considered in terms of maximum interstory drift demands at two hazard levels with exceedance probabilities being 50% and 2% in 50 years, respectively. The present formulation allows structural engineers to find an optimized design solution by explicitly striving for a desirable compromise between the initial investment and seismic performance. Member sizing for code‐compliant design of a planar five‐story four‐bay SMRF is presented as an application example using the proposed procedure that is automated by a multiobjective genetic algorithm. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Shaking table test and numerical simulation of a 1/2‐scale self‐centering reinforced concrete frame

Self‐centering reinforced concrete frames are developed as an alternative of traditional seismic force‐resisting systems with better seismic performance and re‐centering capability. This paper presents an experimental and computational study on the seismic performance of self‐centering reinforced concrete frames. A 1/2‐scale model of a two‐story self‐centering reinforced concrete frame model was designed and tested on the shaking table in State Key Laboratory of Disaster Reduction in Civil Engineering at Tongji University to evaluate the seismic behavior of the structure. A structural analysis model, including detailed modeling of beam–column joints, column–base joints, and prestressed tendons, was constructed in the nonlinear dynamic modeling software OpenSEES. Agreements between test results and numerical solutions indicate that the designed reinforced concrete frame has satisfactory seismic performance and self‐centering capacity subjected to earthquakes; the self‐centering structures can undergo large rocking with minor residual displacement after the earthquake excitations; the proposed analysis procedure can be applied in simulating the seismic performance of self‐centering reinforced concrete frames. To achieve a more comprehensive evaluation on the performance of self‐centering structures, research on energy dissipation devices in the system is expected. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Verification of system identification utilizing shaking table tests of a full‐scale 4‐story steel building

This paper verifies the feasibility of the proposed system identification methods by utilizing shaking table tests of a full‐scale four‐story steel building at E‐Defense in Japan. The natural frequencies, damping ratios and modal shapes are evaluated by single‐input‐four‐output ARX models. These modal parameters are prepared to identify the mass, damping and stiffness matrices when the objective structure is modelled as a four degrees of freedom (4DOF) linear shear building in each horizontal direction. The nonlinearity in stiffness is expressed as a Bouc–Wen hysteretic system when it is modelled as a 4DOF nonlinear shear building. The identified hysteretic curves of all stories are compared to the corresponding experimental results. The simple damage detection is implemented using single‐input‐single‐output ARX models, which require only two measurements in each horizontal direction. The modal parameters are equivalent‐linearly evaluated by the recursive Least Squares Method with a forgetting factor. When the structure is damaged, its natural frequencies decrease, and the corresponding damping ratios increase. The fluctuation of the identified modal properties is the indirect information for damage detection of the structure. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental testing and numerical modelling of a heavy timber moment‐resisting frame with ductile steel links

This paper presents the development, experimental testing, and numerical modelling of a new hybrid timber‐steel moment‐resisting connection that is designed to improve the seismic performance of mid‐rise heavy timber moment‐resisting frames (MRF). The connection detail incorporates specially designed replaceable steel links fastened to timber beams and columns using self‐tapping screws. Performance of the connection is verified through experimental testing of four 2/3 scale beam‐column connections. All 4 connection specimens met the acceptance criteria specified in the AISC 341‐10 provisions for steel moment frames and exhibit high strength, ductility, and energy dissipation capacity up to storey drifts exceeding 4%. All of the timber members and self‐tapping screw connections achieved their design objective, remaining entirely elastic throughout all tests and avoiding brittle modes of failure. To assess the global seismic performance of the newly developed connection in a mid‐rise building, a hybrid timber‐steel building using the proposed moment‐resisting connection is designed and modelled in OpenSees. To compare the seismic performance of the hybrid MRF with a conventional steel MRF, a prototype steel‐only building is also designed and modelled in OpenSees. The building models are subject to a suite of ground motions at design basis earthquake and maximum credible earthquake hazard levels using non‐linear time history analysis. Analytical results show that drifts and accelerations of the hybrid building are similar to a conventional steel building while the foundation forces are significantly reduced for the hybrid structure because of its lower seismic weight. The results of the experimental program and numerical analysis demonstrate the seismic performance of the proposed connection and the ability of the hybrid building to achieve comparable seismic performance to a conventional steel MRF.     

Earthquake‐induced loss assessment of steel frame buildings with special moment frames designed in highly seismic regions

This paper discusses an analytical study that quantifies the expected earthquake‐induced losses in typical office steel frame buildings designed with perimeter special moment frames in highly seismic regions. It is shown that for seismic events associated with low probabilities of occurrence, losses due to demolition and collapse may be significantly overestimated when the expected loss computations are based on analytical models that ignore the composite beam effects and the interior gravity framing system of a steel frame building. For frequently occurring seismic events building losses are dominated by non‐structural content repairs. In this case, the choice of the analytical model representation of the steel frame building becomes less important. Losses due to demolition and collapse in steel frame buildings with special moment frames designed with strong‐column/weak‐beam ratio larger than 2.0 are reduced by a factor of two compared with those in the same frames designed with a strong‐column/weak‐beam ratio larger than 1.0 as recommended in ANSI/AISC‐341‐10. The expected annual losses (EALs) of steel frame buildings with SMFs vary from 0.38% to 0.74% over the building life expectancy. The EALs are dominated by repairs of acceleration‐sensitive non‐structural content followed by repairs of drift‐sensitive non‐structural components. It is found that the effect of strong‐column/weak‐beam ratio on EALs is negligible. This is not the case when the present value of life‐cycle costs is selected as a loss‐metric. It is advisable to employ a combination of loss‐metrics to assess the earthquake‐induced losses in steel frame buildings with special moment frames depending on the seismic performance level of interest. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Correlation of dynamic characteristics of a super‐tall building from full‐scale measurements and numerical analysis with various finite element models

The Di Wang Tower located in Shenzhen has 79 storeys and is about 325 m high. Field measurements have been conducted to investigate the dynamic characteristics of the super‐tall building. In parallel with the field measurements, seven finite element models have been established to model the multi‐outrigger‐braced tall building and to analyse the effects of various arrangements of outrigger belts and vertical bracings on the dynamic characteristics and responses of the Di Wang Tower under the design wind load and earthquake action. The distributions of shear forces in vertical structural components along the building height are also presented and discussed. The results from detailed modelling of group shear walls with several types of finite elements are addressed and compared to investigate various modelling assumptions. Finally, the performance of the finite element models is evaluated by correlating the natural frequencies and mode shapes from the numerical analysis with the finite element models and the field measurements. The results generated from this study are expected to be of interest to professionals and researchers involved with the design of tall buildings. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dynamic loading test and simulation analysis of full‐scale semi‐active hydraulic damper for structural control

A semi‐active hydraulic damper (SHD) for a semi‐active damper system, which is useful for practical structural control especially for large earthquakes, has been developed. Its maximum damping force is set to 1 or 2 MN, and it is controlled by only 70 W of electric power. An SHD with a maximum damping force of 1 MN was applied to an actual building in 1998. This paper first presents the results of a dynamic loading test to confirm the control performance of the SHD. Next, an analytical model of SHDs (SHD model) is constructed with the same concept for two kinds of SHDs based on the test results. Through simulation analyses of the test results using the proposed SHD model, the dynamic characteristics of the SHD can be well represented within practical conditions. Simulation analyses are also carried out using a simple structure model with the SHD model. It is shown that this SHD model can be used to precisely evaluate the control effect of the semi‐active damper system and is useful in practical SHD design under the applied conditions. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Prediction and validation of sidesway collapse of two scale models of a 4‐story steel moment frame

A research program is summarized in which collapse of a steel frame structure is predicted numerically and the accuracy of prediction is validated experimentally through earthquake simulator tests of two 1:8 scale models of a 4‐story code‐compliant prototype moment‐resisting frame. We demonstrate that (1) sidesway collapse can occur for realistic combinations of structural framing and earthquake ground motion; (2) P?Δeffects and component deterioration dominate behavior of the frame near collapse; (3) prediction of collapse is feasible using relatively simple analytical models provided that component deterioration is adequately represented in the analytical model; and (4) response of the framing system near collapse is sensitive to the history that every important component of the frames experiences, implying that symmetric cyclic loading histories that are routinely used to test components provide insufficient information for modeling deterioration near collapse. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of wind effects on a supertall building based on full‐scale measurements

This paper describes the results obtained from the full‐scale measurements of wind effects on a 70‐storey building in Hong Kong. The building which has a height of approximately 370 m is the second tallest structure in Hong Kong. The field data such as wind speed, wind direction and wind‐induced acceleration responses have been measured since 1995 including the close passage of two typhoons; typhoon Sally and typhoon Kent. Detailed analysis of the field data is conducted. The full‐scale measurements are compared with the wind tunnel results obtained in the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Laboratory at Western Ontario University. The amplitude‐dependent characteristics of damping and natural frequency that were obtained by using the random decrement technique are investigated. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of non‐moment braced frame seismic deformations on buckling‐restrained brace end connection behavior: Theoretical analysis and subassemblage tests

In‐plane buckling‐restrained brace (BRB) end rotation induced by frame action is a commonly observed phenomenon in buckling‐restrained braced frames (BRBFs). However, its effect on BRB end connection behavior has not yet been clear. In this study, four BRB end deformation modes for quick determination of end rotational demand are proposed for non‐moment BRBF considering different BRB arrangements, installing story of BRBs, and boundary condition of corner gussets connected with column base. Key factors affecting BRB end rotation and flexural moments are examined theoretically by parametric analysis. Subassemblage tests of seven BRB specimens under horizontal cyclic loading were conducted by adopting two loading frames to impose the expected BRB end deformations. It shows that BRB end rotation subjected BRB ends to significant flexural moments, leading to premature yielding of BRB ends or even tendency of end zone buckling. The deformation modes, the flexural rigidity of BRB ends, and the initial geometric imperfections of BRBs were found to have significant influence on BRB end connection behavior. The triggering moment induced by BRB end rotation was the main contributor to end flexural moment. However, the moment amplification effect induced by flexure of BRB end zones became prominent especially for small flexural rigidity of BRB ends. Implications and future research needs for design of BRB end connections are provided finally based on the theoretical and experimental results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Shake table test and numerical study of self‐centering steel frame with SMA braces

Given their excellent self‐centering and energy‐dissipating capabilities, superelastic shape memory alloys (SMAs) become an emerging structural material in the field of earthquake engineering. This paper presents experimental and numerical studies on a scaled self‐centering steel frame with novel SMA braces (SMAB), which utilize superelastic Ni–Ti wires. The braces were fabricated and cyclically characterized before their installation in a two‐story one‐bay steel frame. The equivalent viscous damping ratio and ‘post‐yield’ stiffness ratio of the tested braces are around 5% and 0.15, respectively. In particular, the frame was seismically designed with nearly all pin connections, including the pinned column bases. To assess the seismic performance of the SMA braced frame (SMABF), a series of shake table tests were conducted, in which the SMABF was subjected to ground motions with incremental seismic intensity levels. No repair or replacement of structural members was performed during the entire series of tests. Experimental results showed that the SMAB could withstand several strong earthquakes with very limited capacity degradation. Thanks to the self‐centering capacity and pin‐connection design, the steel frame was subjected to limited damage and zero residual deformation even if the peak interstory drift ratio exceeded 2%. Good agreement was found between the experimental results and numerical simulations. The current study validates the prospect of using SMAB as a standalone seismic‐resisting component in critical building structures when high seismic performance or earthquake resilience is desirable under moderate and strong earthquakes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic design and hybrid tests of a full‐scale three‐story buckling‐restrained braced frame using welded end connections and thin profile

A series of hybrid and cyclic loading tests were conducted on a three‐story single‐bay full‐scale buckling‐restrained braced frame (BRBF) at the Taiwan National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering in 2010. Six buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs) including two thin BRBs and four end‐slotted BRBs, all using welded end connection details, were installed in the frame specimen. The BRBF was designed to sustain a design basis earthquake in Los Angeles. In the first hybrid test, the maximum inter‐story drift reached nearly 0.030 rad in the second story and one of the thin BRBs in the first story locally bulged and fractured subsequently before the test ended. After replacing the BRBs in the first story with a new pair, a second hybrid test with the same but reversed direction ground motion was applied. The maximum inter‐story drifts reached more than 0.030 rad and some cracks were found on the gusset welds in the second story. The frame responses were satisfactorily predicted by both OpenSees and PISA3D analytical models. The cyclic loading test with triangular lateral force distribution was conducted right after the second hybrid test. The maximum inter‐story drift reached 0.032, 0.031, and 0.008 rad for the first to the third story, respectively. This paper then presents the findings on the local bulging failure of the steel casing by using cyclic test results of two thin BRB specimens. It is found that the steel casing bulging resistance can be computed from an equivalent beam model constructed from the steel core plate width and restraining concrete thickness. This paper concludes with the recommendations on the seismic design of thin BRB steel casings against local bulging failure. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic performance analysis of BRBs and gussets in a full‐scale 2‐story BRB‐RCF specimen

The implementation of buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs) for new reinforced concrete frame (RCF) constructions is limited. This study investigates the seismic forces and stability in the BRBs and gussets of a 2‐story full‐scale RCF specimen by using Abaqus models and a newly proposed stability evaluation method. The hybrid and cyclic loading test results are accurately predicted by the Abaqus analyses. Existing methods for computing the gusset interface forces for steel buildings from both the brace and the frame actions are compared with the Abaqus results. The applicability of these methods for the BRB‐RCF design is critically evaluated. It is confirmed that the Parallel‐2 method is suitable for estimating the BRB force demand imposed on the corner gusset and the generalized uniform force method is good for the corner gusset at the base. In addition, existing stability evaluation methods for BRBs and gussets are applied to investigate the out‐of‐plane (OOP) buckling of the first‐story BRB observed at the end of tests. The proposed stability model incorporates the BRB restrainer's flexural effects and 4 rotational springs in assessing the BRB's buckling. This model confirms that the BRB and the gusset's OOP buckling limit states could be coupled and must be evaluated together. By incorporating the flexural effects of the steel casing and the infilled grout, the proposed model satisfactorily predicts the OOP buckling of the first‐story BRB and gussets. These research results can be used for the implementation of BRBs in new RC frame constructions.