A novel self-centering energy-dissipating wall panel with framed beams as boundaries

Abstract

In order to expand the application of self-centering members or structures, a novel self-centering energy-dissipating wall panel is reported in the paper. It consists of prefabricated concrete wall panels, post-tensioned (PT) tendons and replaceable mild steel dampers at wall toes. The wall panels are expected to be used in steel frames, providing lateral resistance for structures, localizing the damage and reducing the residual deformation. For this purpose, the tested subassembly involving the wall panels with frame beams as boundaries was presented. A total of six full-scale specimens were tested under cyclic loads. Configurations of dampers and initial pre-tension of PT tendons were varied to study their impacts on seismic behavior of the walls. Failure modes, lateral responses, energy-dissipating capacity, self-centering ability and force of PT tendons were also investigated. Test results show that the dampers are used to dissipate energy, and the PT tendons can provide the restoring force. The combination of them gives the walls a dual capacity of energy dissipation and resilience. Based on the compatibility of force and deformation among the steel beams, the wall panels, the dampers and the PT tendons, the theoretical methods for estimating the stiffness parameters and strength parameters of the walls are derived. The experimental skeletons, which are expected to be used in subsequent structural designs, can be accurately predicted by using these parameters.