Seismic performance of high‐strength steel framed‐tube structures with web‐bolted double‐channel shear links

Abstract

SummaryAn innovative high‐strength steel framed‐tube structure system with web‐bolted double‐channel shear links (SFTS‐WSL) is introduced herein as an alternative solution to strengthening the seismic performance and earthquake resilience of structures while maintaining the recognized advantages of conventional steel framed‐tube structures (SFTS). In the SFTS‐WSL, the shear links consist of a double‐channel section connected to the ends of spandrel beams via web‐bolted connections. A 2/3‐scale subassembly was tested under cyclic loading to investigate the seismic behavior and replaceability of the links. The results indicate that the expected ductile failure mode is characterized by the web fracture of the links. To readily replace the links, the allowable residual story drift ratio should be 0.31%. Thereafter, a simplified numerical model was developed using OpenSees, which provides accurate predictions for the hysteretic response of the SFTS‐WSL. Additionally, the superior performance of the SFTS‐WSL was benchmarked against that of the SFTS. Under the maximum considered earthquake conditions, the average base shear and inter‐story drift ratio (IDR) of the SFTS‐WSL were 18.33% and 15.13% lower than those of the SFTS, respectively. Meanwhile, a small residual IDR of well below 0.31% enabled replacement of the damaged links to achieve post‐earthquake repair.