Hysteretic behavior and parametric studies of a self-centering RC wall with disc spring devices

Abstract

A self-centering reinforced concrete (RC) wall with disc spring devices is proposed to achieve earthquake-resilient performance of structures. The disc spring devices are installed symmetrically at the two bottom corners of the wall to provide the self-centering force and prevent crushing and spalling of concrete at the foot. Stable and effective self-centering capability is observed during cyclic loading tests on disc spring devices. The hysteretic behaviors of (i) seven self-centering shear walls (SC-SWs) with disc spring devices of varying stiffness, lengths, heights, and frictions and (ii) two self-centering coupled shear walls (SC-CSWs) with disc spring devices in different arrangements are analyzed. Comparison with the conventional RC walls is then conducted. Results indicate that the SC-SWs and SC-CSWs exhibit better self-centering capability and deformation ability than the conventional RC walls. The residual displacement of SC-SW can be controlled by increasing the stiffness of the disc spring device. The bearing capacity can be improved by decreasing the length and height of the disc spring device. The SC-CSW with continuously distributed disc spring devices installed on each floor can effectively improve the self-centering capability and deformation ability but decrease their bearing capacity.