New nonlinear anti‐seismic steel device for the increasing the seismic capacity of multi‐storey reinforced concrete frames

Abstract

SUMMARYIn order to increase the seismic capacity of multi‐storey planar reinforced concrete (r/c) frames, a new metal frictional device, which the capacity of a restricted rotation around the horizontal axis perpendicular to the vertical frame plane, is presented. The proposed steel device is joined to the four joints of the vertical floor span of the frame via four diagonal steel dual‐hinge bars. During the above restricted rotation, frictional forces develop, due to a suitable synthetic material that is inserted into the rotational frictional connections. When the horizontal relative floor displacement, between two floors, exceeds a desired specific value, then the proposed device locks and the diagonal steel bar becomes fully activated to tension, adding significant additional strength to the frame. This device is installed in a vertical floor span, but it is worth noting that the devices can be placed at floor spans that are not on the same vertical line. The nonlinear numerical (static/dynamic) analyses carried out in the present article, shows that the proposed devices contribute in increase of the lateral stiffness of the frame, the lateral strength of the frame in the inelastic area and the absorption of the inserted seismic energy. Furthermore, this device protects the diagonal steel bars from the buckling or from premature failure of compression. In addition, the proposed device is designed in a way that allows it to operate effectively under large horizontal relative floor displacements due to the cyclic dynamic loads, and can be used instead of the structural r/c walls. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.