Seismic performance of double skin composite wall under maximum considered far-field earthquake loading protocol

Abstract

In order to evaluate the realistic seismic performance of double skin composite wall (DSCW) under earthquakes, 4 full-scale experiments of DSCW were conducted using the maximum considered far-field earthquake loading protocol. The methodology for developing the loading protocol was described, and all necessary assumptions and decisions of the development were briefly introduced. The effect of boundary columns thickness and axial compression ratio of DSCW were taken into consideration. The experimental results showed that all DSCW specimens underwent a similar damage process and exhibited the flexural failure mode. The DSCW component has desirable ductility under the maximum considered earthquakes. Improving the thickness of boundary columns increases the peak strength and ultimate strength of DSCW but significantly decreases the displacement ductility. Increasing the axial compression ratio enhances the peak strength and initial stiffness of DSCW but reduces the displacement ductility of DSCW significantly. The thickness of boundary column has a negligible impact on the energy dissipation capacity of DSCW. However, the DSCW with the thicker thickness of boundary columns gains less energy dissipation cycles due to its lower displacement ductility. Increasing the axial compression ratio improves the energy dissipation capacity of DSCW but reduces the energy dissipation cycles.