Innovations in Sustainable Earthquake Resisting Rocking Wall-Frames

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel design concept for the development of efficient, sustainable Rocking-Wall Moment Frames (RWMFs) under seismic conditions. The proposed concepts lead to a novel structural configuration with provisions for Collapse Prevention (CP), Self-Centering (SC), reparability, performance control (PC), damage reduction, and energy based seismic analysis. It introduces the merits of design led analysis (DLA) over the traditional methods of approach, followed by the development of a lateral resisting system that is more efficient than its conventional counterparts. The fundamental idea behind the proposed methodology is that seismic structural response is mainly a function of design and construction, rather than numerical analysis. In design led analysis the rules of mechanics and structural design are induced rather than followed .The new system is a combination of grade beam restrained moment frames and articulated shear walls, tied to each other by means of post tensioned (PT) stabilizers and Gap Opening Link Beams (GOLBs).