Analysis of RC slab–beam–column sub‐assemblages subjected to bidirectional lateral cyclic loading using a new 3D macroelement

An existing two‐dimensional macroelement for reinforced concrete beam–column joints is extended to a three‐dimensional macroelement. The three‐dimensional macroelement for beam–column joints consists of six rigid interface plates and uniaxial springs for concrete, steel, and bond–slip, which model the inside of a beam–column joint. The mechanical models for the materials and the stiffness equation for the springs are also presented. To validate the model, we used test results from three slab–beam–column sub‐assemblages subjected to bi‐lateral cyclic load. It is revealed that the new joint model is capable of capturing the strength of beam–column joints and the bidirectional interaction in joint shear response, including the concentration of damage in the beam–column joint, the pinching nature in hysteretic behavior, the stiffness degradation, and strength deterioration resulting from cyclic and bidirectional loading. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rehabilitation of earthquake damaged external RC beam‐column joints by joint enlargement using prestressed steel angles

The effectiveness of a rehabilitation method based on joint enlargement using prestressed steel angles to enhance the seismic behavior of damaged external reinforced concrete beam‐column joints was experimentally investigated. Three half‐scale joints having either non‐seismic or seismic reinforcement details were tested both before and after rehabilitation by applying lateral cyclic loading of increasing amplitudes. Two defects were considered for the two non‐seismic units, being the absence of transverse steel hoops and insufficient bond capacity of beam bottom steel reinforcing bars in the joint panel zone. The damaged specimens were rehabilitated by injecting epoxy grout into existing cracks and installing stiffened steel angles at the re‐entrant corners of the beam‐column joint, both above and below the beam, that were mounted and held in place using prestressed high‐tensile strength bars. The test results indicated that the seismic performance of the rehabilitated specimens in terms of strength, stiffness, and ductility was fully recovered and comparable with the performance of the seismically detailed specimen. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Local retrofit of exterior RC beam–column joints using thin RC jackets—An experimental study

The use of a new type of reinforced concrete (RC) jacket for RC exterior beam–column connections damaged by seismic excitations is addressed and experimentally investigated. The proposed jacket has very small thickness and includes small diameter steel reinforcement. This jacketing applies at the joint region and at a small part of the columns and the beam. The main advantage of the proposed thin and locally applied jacket compared with the commonly used concrete jacket is the fact that its application is not restrained by space limitations, and since it slightly changes the initial size of the elements, the building's dynamics and seismic behaviour remain practically unaffected. For the needs of this study, 10 exterior beam–column joint subassemblages were constructed and subjected to increasing cyclic loading. Later, the damaged specimens were locally retrofitted using the proposed thin RC jackets and they were retested with the same load sequence. Three different specimen configurations with various amounts of shear reinforcement in the joint area were examined and two types of jackets (a) with light and (b) with dense reinforcement were applied. Test results indicated that the seismic performance of the retrofitted specimens was fully restored and in some cases substantially improved with respect to the performance of the same specimens in the initial loading, since they exhibited higher values of load capacity and hysteretic energy dissipation. Discussion for the conditions of the use of the examined jacketing technique either as a repair or as a strengthening method is also included. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Estimation of monotonic behavior of reinforced concrete columns considering shear‐flexure‐axial load interaction

Reinforced concrete columns with insufficient transverse reinforcement and non‐seismic reinforcement details are vulnerable to brittle shear failure and to loss of axial load carrying capacity in the event of a strong earthquake. In this paper, a procedure is presented after examining the application of two macro models for displacement‐based analysis of reinforced concrete columns subjected to lateral loads. In the proposed model, lateral load‐deformation response of the column is simulated by estimating flexural and shear deformation components separately while considering their interaction and then combining these together according to a set of rules depending upon column's yield, flexural and shear strengths. In addition, lateral deformation caused by reinforcement slip in beam–column joint regions and buckling of compression bars are taken into account and considered in the analysis. Implementation of the proposed procedure produces satisfactory lateral load–displacement relationships, which are comparable with experimental data. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modelling exterior unreinforced beam‐column joints in seismic analysis of non‐ductile RC frames

The seismic response of non‐ductile reinforced concrete (RC) buildings can be affected by the behaviour of beam‐column joints involved in the failure mechanism, especially in typical existing buildings. Conventional modelling approaches consider only beam and column flexibility, although joints can provide a significant contribution also to the overall frame deformability. In this study, the attention is focused on exterior joints without transverse reinforcement, and a possible approach to their modelling in nonlinear seismic analysis of RC frames is proposed. First, experimental tests performed by the authors are briefly presented, and their results are discussed. Second, these tests, together with other tests with similar features from literature, are employed to calibrate the joint panel deformability contribution in order to reproduce numerically the experimental joint shear stress–strain behaviour under cyclic loading. After a validation phase of this proposal, a numerical investigation of the influence of joints on the seismic behaviour of a case study RC frame – designed for gravity loads only – is performed. The preliminary failure mode classification of the joints within the analysed frame is carried out. Structural models that (i) explicitly include nonlinear behaviour of beam‐column joints exhibiting shear or anchorage failure or (ii) model joints as elements with infinite strength and stiffness are built and their seismic performance are assessed and compared. A probabilistic assessment based on nonlinear dynamic simulations is performed by means of a scaling approach to evaluate the seismic response at different damage states accounting for uncertainties in ground‐motion records. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Tests and model calibration of high‐strength steel tubular beam‐to‐column and column‐base composite joints for moment‐resisting structures

Performance‐based engineering (PBE) methodologies allow for the design of more reliable earthquake‐resistant structures. Nonetheless, to implement PBE techniques, accurate finite element models of critical components are needed. With these objectives in mind, initially, we describe an experimental study on the seismic behaviour of both beam‐to‐column (BTC) and column‐base (CB) joints made of high‐strength steel S590 circular columns filled with concrete. These joints belonged to moment‐resisting frames (MRFs) that constituted the lateral‐force‐resisting system of an office building. BTC joints were conceived as rigid and of partial strength, whereas CB joints were designed as rigid and of full strength. Tests on a BTC joint composed of an S275 steel composite beam and high‐strength steel concrete‐filled tubes were carried out. Moreover, two seismic CB joints were tested with stiffeners welded to the base plate and anchor bolts embedded in the concrete foundation as well as where part of a column was embedded in the foundation with no stiffeners. A test programme was carried out with the aim of characterising these joints under monotonic, cyclic and random loads. Experimental results are presented by means of both force–interstory drift ratio and moment–rotation relationships. The outcomes demonstrated the adequacy of these joints to be used for MRFs of medium ductility class located in zones of moderate seismic hazard. Then, a numerical calibration of the whole joint subassemblies was successfully accomplished. Finally, non‐linear time‐history analyses performed on 2D MRFs provided useful information on the seismic behaviour of relevant MRFs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical simulation of reinforcement strengthening for high‐arch dams to resist strong earthquakes

This paper focuses on analyzing the nonlinear seismic response of high‐arch dams with cantilever reinforcement strengthening. A modified embedded‐steel model is presented to evaluate the effects of the strengthening measure on alleviating the extension and opening of cracks under strong earthquakes. By stiffening reinforced steel, this model can easily consider the steel–concrete interaction for lightly reinforced concrete (RC) members without the need of dividing them into RC and plain concrete zones. The new tensile constitutive relations of reinforced steel are derived from the load–deformation relationship of RC members in direct tension. This model has been implemented in the finite element code and its applicability is verified by two numerical simulations for RC tests. Subsequently, numerical analyses for a 210‐m high‐arch dam (Dagangshan arch dam) are conducted with and without the presence of cantilever reinforcement. Numerical results show that reinforcement strengthening can reduce the nonlinear response of the arch dam, e.g. joint opening and crest displacement, and limit the extension and opening width of concrete cracks. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic behaviour of hybrid systems made of PR composite frames coupled with dissipative bracings

The paper investigates the dynamic behaviour of hybrid systems made of partially restrained (PR) steel–concrete composite frames coupled with viscoelastic dissipative bracings. A numerical model that accounts for both the resisting mechanisms of the joint and the viscoelastic contribution of the dissipative bracing is introduced and briefly discussed. The model is first validated against experimental outcomes obtained on a one‐storey two‐bay composite frame with partial strength semi‐rigid joints subjected to free vibrations. A number of time‐history analyses under different earthquake ground motions and peak ground accelerations are then carried out on the same type of frame. The purpose is to investigate the influence of the type of beam‐to‐column connection and property of the viscoelastic bracing on the performance of the hybrid system. The inherent stiffness of the bare PR frame and the plastic hysteresis of the beam‐to‐column joints, which always lead to only limited damage in the joint, are found to provide a significant contribution to the overall structural performance even under destructive earthquakes. This remark leads to the conclusion that the viscoelastic bracing can be effectively used within the hybrid system. 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.     

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.     

Behaviour and modelling of partial‐strength beam‐to‐column composite joints for seismic applications

A refined component model is proposed to predict the inelastic monotonic response of exterior and interior beam‐to‐column joints for partial‐strength composite steel–concrete moment‐resisting frames. The joint typology is designed to exhibit ductile seismic response through plastic deformation developing simultaneously in the column web panel in shear, the bolted end‐plate connection, the column flanges in bending and the steel reinforcing bars in tension. The model can handle the large inelastic deformations consistent with high ductility moment‐resisting frames. Slip response between the concrete slab and the beams was taken into account. A fibre representation was adopted for the concrete slab to accurately capture the non‐uniform stress distribution and progressive crushing of the concrete at the interface between the concrete slab and the column flange. The model is validated against results from full‐scale subassemblages monotonic physical tests performed at the University of Pisa, Italy. A parametric study is presented to illustrate the capabilities of the model and the behaviour of the joints examined. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

新型预制预应力混凝土框架结构有限元分析

为了研究新型预制预应力混凝土框架结构的抗震性能,本文采用ABAQUS软件对试验节点进行有限元分析,验证了建模方法的正确性,并以试验节点为原型,建立相应的两层两跨的新型预制预应力混凝土平面框架模型。采用低周往复加载方式分析了新型预制预应力混凝土框架结构和现浇框架结构的滞回性能,并模拟了新型预制预应力混凝土框架结构在不同的初始荷载、预应力筋数量及控制应力和U形筋配筋率下的滞回性能。结果表明,新型预制预应力混凝土框架和现浇框架的滞回性能非常接近;框架轴压比、预应力筋数量和U形筋配筋率对新型预制预应力混凝土框架的滞回性能有影响,而梁上荷载和预应力筋控制应力的影响较小。     

Development and validation of a metallic haunch seismic retrofit solution for existing under‐designed RC frame buildings

The feasibility and efficiency of a seismic retrofit solution for existing reinforced concrete frame systems, designed before the introduction of modern seismic‐oriented design codes in the mid 1970s, is conceptually presented and experimentally investigated. A diagonal metallic haunch system is introduced at the beam–column connections to protect the joint panel zone from extensive damage and brittle shear mechanisms, while inverting the hierarchy of strength within the beam–column subassemblies and forming a plastic hinge in the beam. A complete step‐by‐step design procedure is suggested for the proposed retrofit strategy to achieve the desired reversal of strength hierarchy. Analytical formulations of the internal force flow at the beam–column‐joint level are derived for the retrofitted joints. The study is particularly focused on exterior beam–column joints, since it is recognized that they are the most vulnerable, due to their lack of a reliable joint shear transfer mechanism. Results from an experimental program carried out to validate the concept and the design procedure are also presented. The program consisted of quasi‐static cyclic tests on four exterior, ? scaled, beam–column joint subassemblies, typical of pre‐1970 construction practice using plain round bars with end‐hooks, with limited joint transverse reinforcement and detailed without capacity design considerations. The first (control specimen) emulated the as‐built connection while the three others incorporated the proposed retrofitted configurations. The experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed solution for upgrading non‐seismically designed RC frames and also confirmed the applicability of the proposed design procedure and of the analytical derivations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Reinforced concrete beam–column joints with crossed inclined bars under cyclic deformations

This experimental study investigates the effectiveness of crossed inclined bars (X‐bars) as joint shear reinforcement in exterior reinforced concrete beam–column connections under cyclic deformations. Test results of 20 joint subassemblages with various reinforcement ratios and arrangements including X‐bars in the joint area are presented. The X‐type, non‐conventional reinforcement is examined as the only joint reinforcement and in combination with common stirrups or vertical bars. The experimental results reported herein include full loading cycle curves, energy dissipation values and a categorization of the observed damage modes. Based on the comparisons between the overall hysteretic responses of the tested specimens, it is deduced that joints with X‐bars exhibited enhanced cyclic performance and improved damage mode since a distinct flexural hinge was developed in the beam–joint interface. Further, the combination of crossed inclined bars and stirrups in joint area resulted in enhanced hysteretic response and excellent performance capabilities of the specimens. However, in some specimens with X‐bars as the only joint shear reinforcement, the deformations of the bent anchorage of the beam's bars caused considerable damages at the back of the joint area. Discussion for a potential replacement of the joint stirrups with X‐type reinforcement in some cases of exterior joints is also included. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

震后混凝土缺陷加固修复构件性能实验分析

为避免震后建筑工程加固不合理导致再次受损,并为加固修复工程提供合理化建议,促进震后救灾工作顺利开展,提出震后建筑工程混凝土缺陷加固修复方法的研究。首先,对混凝土梁试件和混凝土柱试件进行设置,研究基于碳纤维布或外包钢套加固方法对混凝土梁和混凝土柱试件展开循环荷载试验;其次,通过混凝土梁试件滞回曲线、骨架曲线、延性及耗能情况,分析不同加固修复方法的混凝土梁试件抗震性能;最后,通过混凝土柱试件延性及耗能、刚度退化和承载力退化情况,分析采用不同加固方法修复的混凝土柱试件抗震性能。试验结果显示：高配筋率可提升混凝土梁试件滞回特性,外包钢套加固混凝土梁试件滞回饱满程度较高、耗能较少,碳纤维布加固梁试件可将加载位移由10 mm延缓至30 mm,提升延性;碳纤维布加固可提升混凝土柱延性,外包钢套加固重度缺陷混凝土柱可以良好抑制其刚度和承载力退化。试验结果验证了碳纤维加固可提升震后建筑工程混凝土结构延性,外包钢套加固可抑制混凝土结构刚度、承载力退化。     

Experimental multi‐level seismic performance assessment of 3D RC frame designed for damage avoidance

This paper experimentally investigates the application of damage avoidance design (DAD) philosophy to moment‐resisting frames with particular emphasis on detailing of rocking interfaces. An 80% scale three‐dimensional rocking beam–column joint sub‐assembly designed and detailed based on damage avoidance principles is constructed and tested. Incremental dynamic analysis is used for selecting ground motion records to be applied to the sub‐assembly for conducting a multi‐level seismic performance assessment (MSPA). Analyses are conducted to obtain displacement demands due to the selected near‐ and medium‐field ground motions that represent different levels of seismic hazard. Thus, predicted displacement time histories are applied to the sub‐assembly for conducting quasi‐earthquake displacement tests. The sub‐assembly performed well reaching drifts up to 4.7% with only minor spalling occurring at rocking beam interfaces and minor flexural cracks in beams. Yielding of post‐tensioning threaded bars occurred, but the sub‐assembly did not collapse. The externally attached energy dissipators provided large hysteretic dissipation during large drift cycles. The sub‐assembly satisfied all three seismic performance requirements, thereby verifying the superior performance of the DAD philosophy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Shaking table tests of reinforced concrete wide beam–column connections

Reinforced concrete wide beam–column connections have been used in low‐to‐moderate seismicity regions despite little information being available on their seismic performance. This research was conducted to clarify experimentally the hysteretic behaviour and ultimate energy dissipation capacity (UEDC) of this type of existing connection under lateral dynamic earthquake loadings. For this purpose, ? scale models were constructed and tested on a shaking table until they collapsed. The exterior connection behaved as a strong column–weak beam mechanism, and the interior connection as a weak column–strong beam mechanism. The averaged UEDC of the connections in each domain of loading, normalized with respect to the product of the yield strength and yield displacement, were about 6 and 5 for the exterior and interior connections, respectively. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic performance of interior precast concrete beam-column connections with T-section steel inserts under cyclic loading

An experimental investigation was conducted to study the performance of precast beam-column concrete connections using T-section steel inserts into the concrete beam and joint core, under reversed cyclic loading. Six 2/3-scale interior beam-column subassemblies, one monolithic concrete specimen and five precast concrete specimens were tested. One precast specimen was a simple connection for a gravity load resistant design. Other precast specimens were developed with different attributes to improve their seismic performance. The test results showed that the performance of the monolithic specimen M1 represented ductile seismic behavior. Failure of columns and joints could be prevented, and the failure of the frame occurred at the flexural plastic hinge formation at the beam ends, close to the column faces. For the precast specimens, the splitting crack along the longitudinal lapped splice was a major failure. The precast P5 specimen with double steel T-section inserts showed better seismic performance compared to the other precast models. However, the dowel bars connected to the steel inserts were too short to develop a bond. The design of the precast concrete beams with lap splice is needed for longer lap lengths and should be done at the beam mid span or at the low flexural stress region.     

Performance of a damage‐protected beam–column subassembly utilizing external HF2V energy dissipation devices

Ductile‐jointed connections, which generally require some form of supplementary energy dissipation to alleviate displacement response, typically employ mild steel energy dissipation devices. These devices run the risk of low‐cycle fatigue, are effective only for peak cycles that exceed prior displacements, are prone to buckling, and may require replacement following an earthquake. This study presents an experimental investigation employing an alternative to mild steel: a high force‐to‐volume (HF2V) class of damper‐based energy dissipation devices. Tests are performed on a near full‐scale beam–column joint subassembly utilizing externally mounted compact HF2V devices. Two configurations are considered: an exterior joint with two seismic beams and one gravity beam framing into a central column, and a corner joint with only one seismic beam and one gravity beam framing into a column. Quasi‐static tests are performed to column drifts up to 4%. The experiments validate the efficacy of the HF2V device concept, demonstrating good hysteretic energy dissipation, and minimal residual device force, allowing ready re‐centring of the joint. The devices dissipate energy consistently on every cycle without the deterioration observed in the yielding steel bar type of devices. The effectiveness of the HF2V devices on structural hysteretic behavior is noted to be sensitive to the relative stiffness of the anchoring elements, indicating that better efficiency would be obtained in an embedded design. Copyright © 2008 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.