NEHRP Clearinghouse

Title
Numerical and Experimental Studies of Self-Centering Post-Tensioned Steel Frames.
File
PB2009110479.pdf
Author(s)
Wang, D.; Filiatrault, A.
Source
Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research, Buffalo, NY.; National Science Foundation, Washington, DC., May 12, 2008, 436 p.
Abstract
This report presents a numerical and experimental study to evaluate and compare the seismic performance of Self-Centering Post-Tensioned (SCPT) steel frames and conventional Steel Moment Resisting Frames (SMRF). A methodology for designing SCPT structures is developed and used to retrofit an existing four-story SMRF medical facility located in Northridge, California. A Relative Performance Index (RPI) is proposed to compare the enhancement in the seismic response of SCPT's to the SMRF's. Numerical simulations and shake table tests were carried out on two scaled 3-story 2-bay SCPT and SMRF building prototypes based on the medical facility. The study indicates that the seismic floor displacements of SCPT and SMRF are alike, while absolute floor accelerations are lower when self centering systems are implemented. Moreover, while yielding in the beam-to-column connections of the SMRF are observed, only yielding of the sacrificial devices in the self centering system of the SCPT occurred during the strongest ground motions considered.
Keywords
Numerical analysis; Earthquake resistant structures; Steel Moment Resisting Frames (SMRF); California; Steel structures; Models; Figures; Shake table testing; Self-Centering Post-Tensioned (SCPT) steel frames; Tables (Data); Hospitals; Steel moment resisting frames; Self-centering systems; Relative Performance Index (RPI)