Shaking table test of a controlled rocking reinforced concrete frame with column-end hinge joint

Abstract

A controlled rocking reinforced concrete frame with column-end hinge joint (CR-RCFC) is proposed, in which the pure hinged joints are adopted, the post-tensioned (PT) tendons are arranged in the columns to provide lateral stiffness and self-centering capacity, and the inter-story metal dampers are utilized to dissipate earthquake energy and control displacement response. Based on the quasi-static cyclic tests of the CR-RCFC, the rotation stiffness of the joint was obtained. Shaking table tests were carried out on the 1/3-scale CR-RCFC and conventional reinforced concrete frame (RCF) test models. The test results are studied in terms of damage observations, dynamic characteristics, peak floor accelerations, peak inter-story drifts, and force changes in the PT tendons. The results indicated that the CR-RCFC can effectively protect concrete members from damage even under rare earthquakes. Meanwhile, the CR-RCFC can significantly reduce the acceleration response compared with the RCF, and the metal dampers can effectively control the displacement response.