Development of a double-stage-yield dissipative beam-to-column joint: Experimental study and application for structural response control

Abstract

Energy-dissipative beam-to-column joints are an effective method for improving the seismic performance of precast concrete (PC) frame structures. The development of double-stage-yield dampers is a new trend for realizing the comprehensive response control of structures under different levels of earthquakes. However, dissipative beam-to-column joints with double-stage-yield behaviors have rarely been investigated. In this study, a novel double-stage-yield dry-connected beam-to-column joint (DDBJ) is developed by combining a rotational friction damper and buckling-restrained slitted steel plates. First, experimental investigations were conducted, and the working mechanism and theoretical equations of the DDBJ were verified. Subsequently, a numerical simulation method for DDBJ was proposed based on OpenSees, which was proven to be capable of efficiently capturing the double-stage-yield behavior of DDBJ and was suitable for the response assessment of PC frames with DDBJ. Based on this method, the control effect of the DDBJ on the seismic responses of the PC frame was conclusively identified through a numerical comparison between a six-story reinforced concrete frame, a PC frame using single-stage-yield dissipative beam-to-column joints, and a PC frame using DDBJs, emphasizing the effects under four levels of earthquakes. The research outcomes of this study could provide new strategies for the seismic response control of PC frame structures.