Seismic performance evaluation of a self-centering precast reinforced concrete frame structure

The seismic performance of a five-story, four-bay, self-centering precast reinforced concrete frame(SC-RCF), which was redesigned using the direct displacement-based design method, was analytically investigated. The analytical model of the overall structure was developed in Open Sees. The multi-spring contact element was adopted to simulate gap open-close behavior at connection interfaces. The limit states of external mild steel dampers and unbonded post-tensioning strands were considered. Static pushover analyses were performed up to the roof drift of 10%. The nonlinear dynamic responses under four groups of ground motions(with different fault distances and site conditions) at six hazard levels(from the service to the very rare earthquake(VRE)) were compared. Incremental dynamic analyses were implemented to quantify the structural collapse risk. The results showed that the structural responses of SC-RCF were satisfactory under all levels of earthquakes. The collapse safety of the structure under earthquakes up to VRE1 was adequate, while the structure would collapse to a large extent under VRE2 and VRE3.