Cyclic behavior and failure mechanism of self‐centering energy dissipation braces with pre‐pressed combination disc springs

A new type of bracing system composed of friction energy dissipation devices for energy dissipation, pre‐pressed combination disc springs for self‐centering and tube members as guiding elements is developed and experimentally studied in this paper. The mechanics of this system are explained, the equations governing its hysteretic responses are outlined and large‐scale validation tests of two braces with different types of disc springs are conducted under the condition of low cyclic reversed loading. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed bracing system exhibits a stable and repeatable flag‐shaped hysteretic response with an excellent self‐centering capability and effective energy dissipation throughout the loading protocol. Furthermore, the maximum bearing force and stiffness are predicted well by the equations governing its mechanical behavior. Fatigue and destructive test results demonstrate that the proposed bracing system can maintain stable energy dissipation and self‐centering capabilities under large deformation cyclic loading even when the tube members exceed the elastic limit and that a larger bearing capacity is achieved by the system that has disc springs without a bearing surface. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Conceptual study of X-braced frames with different steel grades using cyclic half-scale tests

In this paper,an experimental and analytical study of two half-scale steel X-braced frames with equal nominal shear strength under cyclic loading is described.In these tests,all members except the braces are similar.The braces are made of various steel grades to monitor the effects of seismic excitation.Internal stiffeners are employed to limit the local buckling and increase the fracture life of the steel bracing.A heavy central core is introduced at the intersection of the braces to decrease their effective length.Recent seismic specifications are considered in the design of the X-braced frame members to verify their efficiency.The failure modes of the X-braced frames are also illustrated.It is observed that the energy dissipation capacity,ultimate load capacity and ductility of the system increase considerably by using lower grade steel and proposed detailing.Analytical modeling of the specimens using nonlinear finite element software supports the experimental findings.     

循环荷载特征对焊接工字形钢支撑低周疲劳性能的影响

通过14根铰支焊接工字形支撑在不同特征的循环轴向位移荷载下的低周疲劳试验，研究了循环轴向位移荷载的位移幅值、平均位移幅值及加载次序等因素对钢支撑低周疲劳及耗能性能的影响。研究发现，对称循环荷载中幅值越小，支撑翼缘局部屈曲发展越晚，其耗能及承载力退化也越平缓。文中提出了支撑在幅值6δ≤Δδ≤12δy的对称循环荷载下的疲劳寿命经验公式。试验表明，循环荷载的位移幅值是支撑疲劳损伤及耗能退化的最主要影响因素，过载峰效应及适当的平均压位移幅值改善了钢支撑低周疲劳及耗能性能。     

基于轴向位移的钢支撑疲劳损伤评估方法

在罕遇地震下,框架-中心支撑结构中的钢支撑常因局部屈曲位置的低周疲劳开裂而过早退出工作。本文在焊接工字形钢支撑低周疲劳试验研究基础上,提出了一种可用于框架-中心支撑体系非线性动力时程分析中钢支撑疲劳损伤评估的经验方法,并给出了相关步骤的算法流程。研究结果表明:本文方法以钢支撑轴向位移为损伤参量,能实时估算在随机位移荷载下钢支撑的低周疲劳累积损伤发展,并与试验结果吻合较好。     

Numerical investigation of the resistance of precast RC pinned beam‐to‐column connections under shear loading

In precast technology, the effective design and construction are related to the behaviour of the connections between the structural members in order to cater for all service, environmental and earthquake load conditions. Therefore, the design and detailing of the connections should be undertaken consistently and with awareness of the desired structural response. In the research presented herein, an analytical expression is proposed for the prediction of the resistance of precast pinned connections under shear monotonic and cyclic loading. The proposed formula addresses the case where the failure of the connection occurs with simultaneous flexural failure of the dowel and compression failure of the concrete around the dowel, expected to occur either when (i) adequate concrete cover of the dowels is provided (d > 6 D) or (ii) adequate confining reinforcement (as defined in the article) is foreseen around the dowels in the case of small concrete covers (d < 6 D). The expression is calibrated against available experimental data and numerical results derived from a nonlinear numerical investigation. Emphasis is given to identifying the effect of several parameters on the horizontal shear resistance of the connection such as: the number and diameter of the dowels; the strength of materials (concrete, grout, steel); the concrete cover of the dowels; the thickness of the elastomeric pad; the type of shear loading (monotonic or cyclic); the pre‐existing axial stress in the dowels; and the rotation of the joint. In addition, recommendations for the design of precast pinned beam‐to‐column connections are given, especially when the connections are utilised in earthquake resistant structures. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic performance and new design procedure for chevron‐braced frames

The paper is concerned with the seismic design of steel‐braced frames in which the braces are configured in a chevron pattern. According to EuroCode 8 (EC8), the behaviour factor q, which allows for the trade‐off between the strength and ductility, is set at 2.5 for chevron‐braced frames, while 6.5 is assigned for most ductile steel moment‐resisting frames. Strength deterioration in post‐buckling regime varies with the brace's slenderness, but EC8 adopts a unique q value irrespective of the brace slenderness. The study focuses on reevaluation of the q value adequate for the seismic design of chevron‐braced frames. The present EC8 method for the calculation of brace strength supplies significantly different elastic stiffnesses and actual strengths for different values of brace slenderness. A new method to estimate the strength of a chevron brace pair is proposed, in which the yield strength (for the brace in tension) and the post‐buckling strength (for the brace in compression) are considered. The new method ensures an identical elastic stiffness and a similar strength regardless of the brace slenderness. The advantage of the proposed method over the conventional EC8 method is demonstrated for the capacity of the proposed method to control the maximum inter‐storey drift. The q values adequate for the chevron‐braced frames are examined in reference to the maximum inter‐storey drifts sustained by most ductile moment‐resisting frames. When the proposed method is employed for strength calculation, the q value of 3.5 is found to be reasonable. It is notable that the proposed method does not require larger cross‐sections for the braces compared to the cross‐sections required for the present EC8 method. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Out‐of‐plane stability of buckling‐restrained braces including moment transfer capacity

Buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs) are widely used as ductile seismic‐resistant and energy‐dissipating structural members in seismic regions. Although BRBs are expected to exhibit stable hysteresis under cyclic axial loading, one of the key limit states is global flexural buckling, which can produce an undesirable response. Many prior studies have indicated the possibility of global buckling of a BRB before its core yields owing to connection failure. In this paper, BRB stability concepts are presented, including their bending‐moment transfer capacity at restrainer ends for various connection stiffness values with initial out‐of‐plane drifts, and a unified simple equation set for ensuring BRB stability is proposed. Moreover, a series of cyclic loading tests with initial out‐of‐plane drifts are conducted, and the results are compared with those of the proposed equations. © 2013 The Authors. Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

Influence of gusset plate connections and braces on the seismic performance of X‐braced frames

Braced frames are one of the most economical and efficient seismic resisting systems yet few full‐scale tests exist. A recent research project, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), seeks to fill this gap by developing high‐resolution data of improved seismic resisting braced frame systems. As part of this study, three full‐scale, two‐story concentrically braced frames in the multi‐story X‐braced configuration were tested. The experiments examined all levels of system performance, up to and including fracture of multiple braces in the frame. Although the past research suggests very limited ductility of SCBFs with HSS rectangular tubes for braces recent one‐story tests with improved gusset plate designs suggest otherwise. The frame designs used AISC SCBF standards and two of these frames designs also employed new concepts developed for gusset plate connection design. Two specimens employed HSS rectangular tubes for bracing, and the third specimen had wide flange braces. Two specimens had rectangular gusset plates and the third had tapered gusset plates. The HSS tubes achieved multiple cycles at maximum story drift ratios greater than 2% before brace fracture with the improved connection design methods. Frames with wide flange braces achieved multiple cycles at maximum story drift greater than 2.5% before brace fracture. Inelastic deformation was distributed between the two stories with the multi‐story X‐brace configuration and top story loading. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fiber-based hysteretic model for simulating strength and stiffness deterioration of steel hollow structural section columns under cyclic loading

An efficient component model has been developed that captures strength and stiffness deterioration of steel hollow structural section (HSS) columns. The proposed model consists of two fiber-based segments at a member's ends along with an elastic segment in between. The fibers exhibit nonlinear uniaxial stress–strain behavior, which is explicitly defined by uniaxial monotonic tensile and cyclic round coupon tests. The postbuckling behavior of an HSS column is traced through a proposed uniaxial effective stress–strain constitutive formulation, which includes a softening branch in compression and an energy-based deterioration rule to trace the influence of cyclic deterioration in the inelastic cyclic straining. These may be inferred by uniaxial stub-column tests. The component model captures the coupling between the column axial force and flexural demands. Consistent model parameters for a number of steel materials used in the steel construction in North America and Japan are proposed along with the associated model calibration process. The efficiency of the proposed model in predicting the hysteretic behavior of HSS columns is demonstrated by comparisons with physical steel column tests subjected to various loading histories, including representative ones of ratcheting prior to earthquake-induced collapse. The proposed model is implemented in an open-source finite element software for nonlinear response history analysis of frame structures. The effectiveness of the proposed model in simulating dynamic instability of steel frame buildings is demonstrated through nonlinear response simulations of a four-story steel frame building, which was tested at full-scale through collapse. Limitations as well as suggestions for future work are discussed.     

钢管高强混凝土压弯构件滞回性能的研究

本文根据适用于三向周期受力的钢材本构关系模型,和适用于三向周期受力改进的混凝土本构关系的边界面模型,采用有限元法对钢管高强混凝土压弯构件的荷载－位移滞回曲线进行了理论分析,并进行了6个核心混凝土的强度为77N/mm2的钢管高强混凝土压弯构件滞回性能的试验研究。将理论分析和本试验研究及其他试验研究结果进行了对比,分析了荷载－位移滞回曲线的特点。     

Loading protocols for experimental seismic qualification of members in conventional and emerging steel frames

Quasi-static testing is one of the most commonly used experimental methods for examining the seismic performance of structural members. However, consistent loading protocols for experimental seismic qualification of members in emerging steel frames such as self-centering braced frames (SCBFs) as well as in some conventional ones including buckling-restrained braced frames (BRBFs) are still lacking. This paper aims to propose standardized loading protocols based on time-history dynamic analysis on a series of prototype building frames, including steel SCBFs, BRBFs, and moment-resisting frames (MRFs), where both far-field and near-fault earthquakes are considered. The methodology for the development of the loading protocols involves ground motion selection and scaling, design and analysis of prototype buildings, analysis results processing, and rainflow cycle counting, together with extra justification steps. The proposed loading protocols are consistently derived based on the MCE-level seismic hazard and 84^th percentile values of key seismic demand parameters. These parameters are number of damaging cycles N_t, maximum inter-story drift θ_max, inter-story drift range Δθ_i, sum of inter-story drift range ΣΔθ_i, and residual inter-story drift θ_r. The analysis confirms the variations in these seismic demands imposed on the different structural systems under different types of ground motions, highlighting the necessity of developing separate loading protocols for the different cases. The assumptions, decisions, and judgments made during the development of the loading protocols are elaborated, and the conditions and restrictions are outlined. The rationality of the proposed loading protocols is further justified through demonstrating the cumulative distribution function and energy dissipation demand of the systems.     

复杂应力条件下地基岩石细观破坏研究

为了研究复杂应力条件下的深基坑岩石细观破坏问题,本构方程采用由应变空间导出的弹塑性损伤细观力学模型,借助有限元计算方法,实现了岩石三维破裂过程的数值模拟。采用细观破坏单元网格消去法,实现了有限元模拟裂纹扩展过程;利用位移加载来实现岩石逐渐破裂过程;数值模拟灰岩单轴拉伸及压缩破坏试验、双轴拉伸破坏试验和三轴受压破坏试验,得到其非线性应力—应变曲线和不同载荷阶段弹塑性损伤破裂演化系列图像;分析细观非均匀性对岩石宏观破裂力学行为的影响。研究表明,在复杂应力条件下,随着围压增大,峰值抗压强度明显提高,塑性变形明显增大。本文研究对深基坑施工过程中预防工程事故的发生具有借鉴意义。     

Evaluation of performance of non‐invasive upgrade strategy for beam–column sub‐assemblages of poorly designed structures under seismic type loading

Beam–column sub‐assemblages are the one of the most vulnerable structural elements to the seismic loading and may lead to devastating consequences. In order to improve the performance of the poorly/under‐designed building structures to the critical loading scenarios, introduction of steel bracing at the RC beam–column joint is found to be one of the modern and implementable techniques. In the present work, a diagonal metallic single haunch/bracing system is introduced at the beam–column joints to provide an alternate load path and to protect the joint zone from extensive damage because of brittle shear failure. In this paper, an investigation is reported on the evaluation of tae influence of different parameters, such as angle of inclination, location of bracing and axial stiffness of the single steel bracing on improving the performance through altering the force transfer mechanism. Numerical investigations on the performance of the beam–column sub‐assemblages have been carried out under cyclic loading using non‐linear finite element analysis. Experimentally validated numerical models (both GLD and upgraded specimen) have been further used for evaluating the performance of various upgrade schemes. Cyclic behaviour of reinforcement, concrete modelling based on fracture energy, bond‐slip relations between concrete and steel reinforcement have been incorporated. The study also includes the numerical investigation of crack and failure patterns, ultimate load carrying capacity, load displacement hysteresis, energy dissipation and ductility. The findings of the present study would be helpful to the engineers to develop suitable, feasible and efficient upgrade schemes for poorly designed structures under seismic loading. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mechanical compression release device in steel bracing system for retrofitting RC frames

1 Introduction Braced steel frames are commonly used to resist seismic loads. Their seismic behavior was extensively studied during the past decades (Bertero et al.., 1989; Roeder, 1989; Jain, 1978). Their design is governed by the buckling behavior of the bracing members (ASCE, 1994,2002; CSA, 1994). To prevent or delay the seismic buckling of compressive members in concentrically braced frames in steel structures, a great number of methods have been proposed. These include the use of sp…     

A united deformation-strength framework for Lightweight Sand–EPS Beads Soil (LSES) under cyclic loading

As a new artificial geo-material, lightweight soil is an ideal countermeasure to solve many geotechnical problems in soft ground by reducing upper load, and Lightweight Sand–EPS Beads Soil (briefly as LSES) is a typical representative. Generally used as backfill, which may bear earthquake loading or traffic loading, the behaviors of LSES under dynamic loading are worth to pay much attention on, though there are few relative studies about this at present. Based on laboratory cyclic triaxial test data presented in this study, a united framework is tried to set up, in which deformation and strength of LSES can be integrated by failure cycle number N_f that corresponds to the complete degradation of LSES structure. This framework describes both the development process of cyclic deformation and dynamic failure criteria in the state as the structure cannot afford further tension. Meanwhile, cyclic stress–strain relationships and Modulus Reduction Curves for LSES with different mixture ratios are also discussed. All distinct behaviors of LSES are considered to arise from its bond-dominated structure, which controls the two types of modulus reduction characteristics and brittle failure of LSES under cyclic loading.     

Modified seismic design of concentrically braced frames considering flexural demand on columns

Special concentrically braced frames (SCBFs) are considered as one of the most economical and effective lateral force‐resisting systems in structures located in the regions of high seismicity. Steel braces in a braced frame undergo large axial deformations in tension and compression to dissipate the seismic energy. However, past studies have shown that SCBFs exhibit the soft‐story hinge mechanisms and unpredictable failure patterns under earthquake loading conditions. These inelastic responses along with the use of continuous structural sections as columns over consecutive floors induce flexural demand that is not considered in the current design practice. In this study, the evaluation of seismic performance of nine SCBFs designed as per the current practice has been carried out for three different story heights (i.e., three‐story, six‐story, and nine‐story) and three types of brace configurations (namely, chevron, split X, and single X). Three additional design techniques are also explored based on (i) the inclusion of column moments in the design; (ii) the theory of formation of plastic hinges; and (iii) the design of braces considering the forces computed at their post‐buckled stages. Nonlinear dynamic analyses of these study frames have been evaluated numerically using a computer software Perform‐3D for a suite of 40 ground motions representing the design basis earthquake and maximum considered earthquake hazard levels. Analyses results showed that the SCBFs designed as per the modified procedures achieved the desired performance objectives without the formation of soft‐story mechanism. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

腹板开孔形状影响耗能支撑滞回性能试验研究

腹板开孔耗能支撑有效地避免了传统中心支撑斜杆的失稳破坏,具有较强的耗能能力.为研究腹板开孔形状对支撑滞回性能的影响,对腹板开菱形孔、椭圆孔及长圆孔耗能支撑试件进行了低周往复加载试验,分析了试件在循环荷载作用下的破坏机理、滞回性能、承载能力、刚度退化及耗能能力.试验结果表明:耗能支撑试件滞回曲线饱满,耗能性能优越.耗能支...     

A model to simulate special concentrically braced frames beyond brace fracture

Special concentrically braced frames (SCBFs) are commonly used as the lateral‐load resisting system in buildings. SCBFs primarily sustain large deformation demands through inelastic action in the brace, including compression buckling and tension yielding; secondary yielding may occur in the gusset plate and framing elements. The preferred failure mode is brace fracture. Yielding, buckling, and fracture behavior results in highly nonlinear behavior and accurate analytical modeling of these frames is required. Prior research has shown that continuum models are capable of this level of simulation. However, those models are not suitable for structural engineering practice. To enable the use of accurate yet practical nonlinear models, a research study was undertaken to investigate modeling parameters for line‐element models, which is a more practical modeling approach. This portion of the study focused on methods to predict brace fracture. A fracture modeling approach simulated the nonlinear, cyclic response of SCBFs by correlating onset of fracture to the maximum strain range in the brace. The model accounts for important brace design parameters including slenderness, compactness, and yield strength. Fracture data from over 40 tests was used to calibrate the model and included single‐brace component, single story frame, and full‐scale multistory frame specimens. The proposed fracture model is more accurate and simpler than other, previously proposed models. As a result, the proposed model is an ideal candidate for practical performance simulation of SCBFs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

不同应力分量耦合模式下天津滨海饱和黏性土变形特性研究

地基土单元体在地震荷载作用下将产生主应力轴连续旋转,不同的应力耦合模式对土的强度、孔压以及变形等特性影响显著。利用GCTS空心圆柱扭剪仪,对天津滨海软土场地饱和黏性土进行K0固结下的不同应力耦合模式的循环剪切试验。着重对比相同应力路径下竖向和扭剪双向耦合加载模式,内外围压和扭剪的三向耦合加载模式以内外围压、竖向和扭剪的四向耦合加载模式条件下饱和黏性土的变形特性、循环软化特性。试验结果表明:在相同的动强度下,四向耦合应力模式更容易破坏且变形特性以及软化特性较双向、三向耦合下发展更加迅速;剪应力分量对试样软化变形特性的影响更加显著。     

Cyclic shear response of channel-fill Fraser River Delta silt

The cyclic shear response of a channel-fill, low-plastic silt was investigated using constant-volume direct simple shear testing. Silt specimens, initially consolidated to stress levels at or above the preconsolidation stress, displayed cyclic-mobility-type strain development during cyclic loading without static shear stress bias. Liquefaction in the form of strain softening accompanied by loss of shear strength did not manifest regardless of the applied cyclic stress ratio, or the level of induced excess pore water pressure, suggesting that the silt is unlikely to experience flow failure under cyclic loading. The cyclic shear resistance of the silt increased with increasing overconsolidation ratio (OCR) for OCR>1.3. The silt specimens that experienced high equivalent excess cyclic pore water pressure ratios (r_u>80%) resulted in considerable volumetric strains (2.5%–5%) during post-cyclic reconsolidation implying potentially significant changes to the particle fabric under cyclic loading.