Seismic performance of steel moment and hinged frames with rocking shear walls

Abstract

The addition of a rocking structural system will soften the connection between a foundation and superstructure and help the beam-column connections to become softer than typical ones. These structures, with the addition of rocking structural systems, follow the elastic gap opening mechanism to soften the structural seismic response. Post-tensioned prestressed tendons and dampers are used in rocking systems to enable the structure to return to its initial position (self-centering) and to dissipate seismic energy, respectively. The current study investigated the use of a rocking shear wall system in steel moment-resistant and hinged frames and determined the amount of damage and the economic effects on the structures. For this purpose, 3D models of 3-, 9-, and 20-story SAC-project steel frames were modeled and validated according to FEMA-355C and then a hybrid rocking shear wall was added to them. The structures were designed and modeled according to common seismic codes and were analyzed using nonlinear time history when subjected to a series of records from FEMA-355C. The results showed that the use of a hinged frame attached to a rocking concrete shear wall (HFR) increased the fundamental period and inter-story displacement and decreased the amount of steel used in the 3-, 9-, and 20-story models compared to similar models with fixed connections in moment frames (MFR). The HFR shear wall models exhibited better seismic performance than MFR models, which increased their load-bearing capacity and reduced their weight, which reduced construction costs.