Developing a self-centering device that can be integrated as a prefabricated component into hybrid Lateral Load Resisting Systems (LLRSs) was the first goal achieved in this project. Several SC configurations featured different damping mechanisms and structural details were explored to address the shortcomings of the available self-centering structural solutions. To achieve an optimized and practical design for the intended Friction-Damped Self-Centering (FDSC) device, simplified analytical investigations, detailed 3D finite element simulations, and full-scaled experiments were conducted in this project.
In this research project, the Friction-Damped Self-Centering (FDSC) device was implemented in two types of Lateral Load Resisting Systems (LLRS), categorized as hybrid coupled walls. These systems were developed to introduce the innovative SC-HybWalls, which were designed to enhance seismic performance and resilience. In the SC-HYBWalls configuration, reinforced concrete (RC) walls are interconnected or linked to pairs of side steel columns at each level through steel coupling beams featuring FDSC devices.
The efficiency of the novel FDSC device in improving the seismic performance and resilience of the two types of innovative LLRS proposed in this project was validated in the subsequent phase. This phase began with the design of several archetype SC-HYBWalls of both types, covering a range of key design parameters typical in structural engineering practice. Finite element models were next developed for the architype SC-HYBWalls. Nonlinear dynamic analyses were conducted to simulate the response of these archetypes to numerous ground motion records to account for record-to-record variability. The results of these simulations demonstrated that SC-HYBWalls significantly reduce residual earthquake deformations and mitigate damage concentration, a common failure mode in reinforced concrete (RC) walls, thereby enhancing energy dissipation capacity and the distribution of plasticity. These findings underscore the SC-HybWalls' capability to facilitate immediate reoccupation of buildings after moderate earthquakes and expedite repairs that might be needed following strong earthquakes. Hence, implementing SC-HYBWalls as LLRS in multi-story buildings can lead to significant savings in repair time and costs, and minimize or eliminate downtime after major seismic events.
Some findings from this research project have been presented at three international conferences: ANIDIS-ASSISI in Turin, Italy (2022), Eurosteel in Amsterdam, Netherlands (2023), and SECED in Cambridge, UK (2023), with details published in their respective proceedings. The latest results will also be presented at the World Conference on Earthquake Engineering (WCEE) in July 2024. Additionally, three peer-reviewed journal papers are planned to disseminate the project's outcomes. The first paper has already been submitted and is currently under peer review at the Journal of Structural Engineering. The other two papers are in preparation.
