Evaluation of rocking motion on the seismic performance of a linked column frame system

Abstract

A linked column frame (LCF) is a seismic-load-resisting system with ductile behaviour. In this system, the link beam, operating as a shear fuse, reduces or eliminates damage to other components of the structure under various hazard levels. In this study, by combining rocking motion and changes in the linked column pattern, an innovative seismic-resisting system was developed. The aim was to improve the performance of the LCF system by reducing damage to the flexural beams and columns and to concentrate damage in the link beams. For this purpose, a three-storey model based on the SAC building was designed based on storey drift demands. The model was evaluated by incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) according to Fema P-695 instructions using OpenSees. Results of changes in the linked column pattern from the IDA indicated a 20% increase in the structural capacity of the LCF model. Compared with the model without rocking motion, the model with rocking motion resulted in reduced structural capacity, shear and horizontal acceleration of the storey, and maximum drift. This novel LCF seismic system provides self-centring and damage control by using features such as rocking motion.