Research on seismic performance of a novel fully precast RC frame isolation structure

Abstract

Precast structure is considered the most promising approach for achieving architectural industrialization and urban functional resilience due to its advantages such as high quality, low cost, minimal on-site work, environmental friendliness, and resource conservation. However, some studies and earthquake damage investigations indicate that the seismic performance of precast structures is relatively poor, and their damage is usually attributed to insufficient bearing capacity and ductility of connections, making post-earthquake repair extremely challenging. While considering isolation technology one of the most innovative achievements in the field of structural engineering, it has been widely used in structures, and numerous isolation buildings have withstood the test of earthquakes. Therefore, isolation technology may be the most promising solution to improve the seismic performance of precast structure systems. This paper proposed a new type of dry-connection fully precast RC frame structure and adopts the isolation technology to guarantee its seismic performance. A half-scaled model of the precast isolation structure was manufactured and tested on the shaking table. The results show that after experiencing rare earthquakes, the superstructure was basically intact and the isolation layer remains undamaged, which could achieve the design objectives of no damage under moderate earthquakes and repairable after severe earthquakes.