Study on seismic behavior of prefabricated shear walls with steel double tube connections

Abstract

The joints are crucial for influencing the overall mechanical performance of precast shear wall constructions under seismic actions. The existing joint connections are complex and not efficient enough. To maximize the potential of prefabricated structures, this study proposed innovative prefabricated shear walls with steel double tube connections. Two pseudo-static tests were conducted to investigate the influence of axial compression ratio on the seismic behavior of the innovative shear walls. The failure modes were all bending failures, and it had been discovered that increasing the axial compression ratio can improve the carrying capacity and energy dissipation capacity. Seven models with different axial pressure ratios were established to conduct nonlinear finite element analysis. The result showed that as the axial compression ratios raised, the carrying capacity and stiffness of the models increased, but the decreasing trend of force–displacement curves were also more distinct. Therefore the recommended axial pressure ratio of the models did not exceed 0.4. Finally, the calculation method of the loading capacity of novel shear walls was proposed, which provided the basis for the design of innovative shear walls.