Skeleton Curves Research Articles

Behavior of laminated bamboo columns under low cyclic reversed loading

Laminated bamboo, a type of eco-friendly engineered bamboo product, is increasingly gaining attention in the field of civil engineering. Although there has been considerable research on the material properties of laminated bamboo, studies focusing on the seismic performance of laminated bamboo columns are still relatively scarce. This paper discusses in detail the behavior of laminated bamboo columns and BFRP (Basalt fiber reinforced polymer) reinforced laminated bamboo columns under low cyclic reversed loading. In particular, the effects of slenderness ratio and axial compression ratio on laminated bamboo columns and BFRP reinforced laminated bamboo columns are studied. The hysteresis behavior of the column specimens is first tested through experiments. The results show that under low cyclic reverse loading, the failure of laminated bamboo columns is due to the tensile fracture and compressive bending of bamboo strips, as well as the tensile fracture of BFRP. To quantify the mechanical performance of laminated bamboo columns, parameters of interest are defined and discussed, including load-bearing capacity, stiffness, energy dissipation, and equivalent viscous damping. The load-bearing capacity and stiffness of laminated bamboo columns and BFRP reinforced laminated bamboo columns are significantly affected by the slenderness ratio and axial compression ratio. The yield loads for the column specimens with slenderness ratios of 37.0, 63.4, and 77.5 are within the ranges of 2.08–7.64 kN, 1.63–5.15 kN, and 1.82–7.51 kN, respectively. Laminated bamboo columns exhibit a satisfactory energy dissipation, with the maximum observed equivalent viscous damping exceeding 50 %. Furthermore, combining theoretical calculations and fitting analysis, bilinear skeleton curve models for both laminated bamboo columns and BFRP reinforced laminated bamboo columns are presented, showing a good agreement with experimental results. This research aims to provide some references for the design of laminated bamboo structures in future practical engineering.

Experimental Investigations of Seismic Performance of Girder–Integral Abutment–Reinforced-Concrete Pile–Soil Systems

Integral abutment bridges (IABs) have been widely applied in bridge engineering because of their excellent seismic performance, long service life, and low maintenance cost. The superstructure and substructure of an IAB are integrally connected to reduce the possibility of collapse or girders falling during an earthquake. The soil behind the abutment can provide a damping effect to reduce the deformation of the structure under a seismic load. Girders have not been considered in some of the existing published experimental tests on integral abutment–reinforced-concrete (RC) pile (IAP)–soil systems, which may not accurately represent real conditions. A pseudo-static low-cycle test on a girder–integral abutment–RC pile (GIAP)–soil system was conducted for an IAB in China. The experiment’s results for the GIAP specimen were compared with those of the IAP specimen, including the failure mode, hysteretic curve, energy dissipation capacity, skeleton curve, stiffness degradation, and displacement ductility. The test results indicate that the failure modes of both specimens were different. For the IAP specimen, the pile cracked at a displacement of +2 mm, while the abutment did not crack during the test. For the GIAP specimen, the pile cracked at a displacement of −8 mm, and the abutment cracked at a displacement of 50 mm. The failure mode of the specimen changed from severe damage to the pile top under a small displacement to damage to both the abutment and pile top under a large displacement. Compared with the IAP specimen, the initial stiffness under positive horizontal displacement (39.2%), residual force accumulation (22.6%), residual deformation (12.6%), range of the elastoplastic stage in the skeleton curve, and stiffness degradation of the GIAP specimen were smaller; however, the initial stiffness under negative horizontal displacement (112.6%), displacement ductility coefficient (67.2%), average equivalent viscous damping ratio (30.8%), yield load (20.4%), ultimate load (7.8%), and range of the elastic stage in the skeleton curve of the GIAP specimen were larger. In summary, the seismic performance of the GIAP–soil system was better than that of the IAP–soil system. Therefore, to accurately reflect the seismic performance of GIAP–soil systems in IABs, it is suggested to consider the influence of the girder.

Experimental study on seismic damage of SRC-RC vertical hybrid structure

In order to analyze the seismic performance of the SRC-RC vertical hybrid structure, three substructure models were designed, and the key data of structural performance, such as hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, bearing capacity, energy dissipation of structure, residual deformation and damage degree were obtained by carrying out low cyclic loading tests. According to the tests, the plastic development at the column base was delayed because of the reinforcement of section steel, and the plastic development at beam end was much more sufficient, which benefited the beam hinge mechanism in the transition area, so that the transition area has better energy dissipation capacity and deformation capacity. Based on the more sufficient lateral displacement of beam hinge, the beams suffered bending deformation obviously, and interaction between the beams and the infilled wall was significant, which led to a more complex interface force transmission, so the bending cracks and the shearing cracks were densely distributed along the full length of the beam. Meanwhile, the reinforcement of section steel not only improved the deformation capacity of the models but also resulted in more significant damage difference in positive and negative loading. To quantitatively evaluate the damage level, a seismic damage index system was proposed, including displacement damage degree, bearing capacity damage degree and residual deformation index, which reflect the increment of deformation caused by structural damage, the deterioration of bearing capacity and the residual deformation, respectively. It is suggested that the structural failure should be defined respectively under different modes: For the strength degradation behavior mode and ductility behavior mode, structural failure should be confirmed if the load reduces to 0.90 and 0.85 times of the peak load, respectively; and for the brittle behavior mode, the frame is considered to fail when the load reaches the peak without considering the structural performance after the peak load.

A Restoring Force Correction Model for Enveloped Steel Jacket-Confined Seismic-Damaged Rectangular Recycled Aggregate Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Columns

In order to establish a suitable restoring force correction model for enveloped steel jacket (ESJ)-confined seismic-damaged rectangular recycled aggregate concrete-filled steel tubular (RRACFST) columns, based on experimental research, a study of the seismic performance and parameters of ESJ-confined seismic-damaged RRACFST columns was carried out. The restoring force theory, model test, and OpenSees simulation of ESJ-confined seismic-damaged RRACFST columns were conducted. Firstly, a trilinear model of the skeleton curve and a suitable restoring force model for ESJ-confined seismic-damaged RRACFST columns were established. The results were compared with the model test results, and it was found that the two results had good consistency. Secondly, the initial damage of the RRACFST column was simulated by the reducing material properties method, and a correct numerical model for ESJ-confined seismic-damaged RRACFST columns was proposed. The influence mechanism of seismic parameters of the RRACFST column was clarified. Finally, the seismic parameter combination with the best seismic performance for ESJ-confined seismic-damaged RRACFST columns was established; namely, the replacement rate of recycled coarse aggregate is 50%, the concrete strength is C40, the axial compression ratio is 0.3, the strength of the rectangular steel tube is Q345, the wall thickness of the steel tube is 4 mm, and the slenderness ratio is 7.5.

Seismic performance and calculation method for plastic hinge length of RC pier reinforced with UHPC

Piers are highly vulnerable load-bearing components, and their seismic performance determines the integral seismic resistance of bridges to a certain degree. They play crucial roles in evacuation during earthquakes and post-earthquake rescue. The manner in which piers meet the seismic performance requirements after reinforcement has become a popular research topic. In this study, ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) and HTRB600E high-tensile reinforcements were used to expand the cross section of a cast-in-place square pier with severe bending damage. The earthquake-resistant behaviour indicators of the pier were compared and analysed by conducting pseudo-static tests on a reinforced concrete pier before and after reinforcement. These indicators included the hysteretic curve, skeleton curve, energy dissipation curve, rigidity degradation, residual displacement, and pier body curvature. Based on the results of the seismic reinforcement quasi-static tests, a finite element model (FEM) of the bridge pier was constructed using the ABAQUS software, and the accuracy of the FEM was averaged. The impact of the reinforcement layer height, thickness, longitudinal strength and axial compression ratio on the equivalent plastic-hinge length of the reinforced pier was analysed, and the formula for the equivalent plastic-hinge length of the reinforced pier was obtained based on multiple linear regression fitting. The analysis results demonstrated that the broadened section method, utilising UHPC and high-tensile reinforcement, significantly enhanced the flexural capacity, energy dissipation, and first rigidity of the bridge pier. The earthquake-resistant behaviour of pier was effectively restored and improved, and the seismic reinforcement effect was significant. The equivalent plastic hinge length of the pier after reinforcement is proportional to the height of the reinforcement layer, the thickness of the reinforcement layer, the strength of the longitudinal reinforcement, and inversely proportional to the axial compression ratio.

Basic Study on the Proposal of New Measures to Improve the Ductility of RC Bridge Pier and Their Effectiveness

To enhance the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) elements, it is essential to consider both strength and ductility post-yielding. This study proposed a novel method to improve the ductility of RC piers by using preformed inward-bending longitudinal reinforcements at the plastic hinges. Two full-scale model tests of standard and ductility-enhanced (DE) RC piers and numerical simulations were conducted. The lateral reversed cyclic loading experiments were conducted to assess the effectiveness of this new approach. The performance was evaluated regarding failure mode, plastic hinge distribution, hysteretic properties, normalized stiffness degradation, normalized energy dissipation capacity, bearing capacity, and ductility. Non-linear finite element method (FEM) analyses were also carried out to investigate the usefulness of the proposed method by DIANA, and simulation was validated against the experiment results by hysteretic curves, skeleton curves, failure mode crack pattern, ductility coefficient, and bearing capacity. The results indicated that the proposed method enhanced bearing capacity, resistance to stiffness degradation, energy dissipation capacity, and ductility. Additionally, it was observed that the preformed positions and curvature of the main steel bars influenced the plastic hinge location and the buckling of longitudinal reinforcements. FEM analysis revealed that it might be reasonable to deduce the other factors that influenced the ductility of the specimens by using the same material parameters and models.

Experimental investigation of seismic performance of precast concrete shear walls with overlapping U-bar loop connections

This paper discusses the seismic performance of five reduced-scale shear walls, including one cast-in-place (CIP) concrete shear wall, two precast concrete (PC) shear walls with overlapping U-bar loop connections, and two PC shear walls with modified form-overlapping U-bar loop connections combined with extruded sleeve connections. A quasi-static test was conducted to evaluate the reliability of the overlapping U-bar loop connections and the modified form by comparing the corresponding mechanical parameters of PC specimens with those of the CIP specimen. Moreover, the differences in seismic performance between the CIP specimen and PC specimens with different connection methods were also analyzed in terms of damage process, hysteretic loops and skeleton curves, load carrying capacity, ductility, equivalent stiffness, and energy dissipation. The experimental findings indicated that the mechanical performances of PC specimens with the modified connection form outperformed those of PC specimens with pure overlapping U-bar loop connections, closely resembling the properties of cast-in-place specimens; the failure mode of PC specimens was consistent with that of the CIP specimen; the generation, distribution and development of cracks in PC specimens were also similar to those in the CIP specimen. Furthermore, although the load-bearing capacity and peak displacement of PC specimens were lower than those of the CIP specimen due to the failure of the post-casted concrete strength to meet the requirements, the ductility, equivalent stiffness, and energy dissipation of PC specimens with the modified connection form closely matched that of the CIP specimen.

Experiments and FE Modeling on the Seismic Behavior of Partially Precast Steel-Reinforced Concrete Squat Walls

This paper proposed an innovative precast steel-reinforced concrete (PPSRC) squat wall to simplify on-site construction. In PPSRC squat shear walls, the hollowly precast RC wall panel can be assembled on-site through the pre-erected steel shapes, and the boundary cores will be filled using fresh concrete together with the slab system. The seismic performance of PPSRC squat walls, influenced by different construction techniques (cast-in-place vs. precast) and steel ratios, was examined through pseudo-static experiments on three specimens. Some key performance indicators, including hysteretic behavior, skeleton curves, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation, and load-carrying capacity, were analyzed in detail. The test results indicated that all the PPSRC squat walls failed in typical shear failure, and no significant slippage between the precast and fresh concrete sections was observed during the loading process, indicating that the composite action could be fully achieved via the novel throat connectors. In addition, the PPSRC squat walls could achieve comparable seismic performance compared with that of cast-in-place SRC shear walls (the peak load of the PPSRC squat wall only increased by 0.26% compared with the control specimen), and the load-carrying capacity and deformability could be enhanced by increasing the steel ratio in the boundary elements. Finally, an elaborate finite element model was developed and validated using ABAQUS software. The parametric analysis of the concrete strengths of precast and cast-in-place parts and the axial load was conducted further to investigate the seismic performance of PPSRC squat walls.

Properties of wood shear walls connected by wood nails

The performance of a wood wall connected by wood nails and twist nails was tested. It was found that during the monotonic load testing, the wood nails connected to the shear panel and stud at the column bottom broke when the deformation reached 12.1 mm. However, the primary failure mode was that the twist nails bent and the head cap became dented in the shear panel. For reciprocating loads, it was found that the wood nails experienced local fracture on the tensile side. The skeleton curve of the wood wall connected by twist nails showed a good trend of bearing capacity changes in both tension and compression sides. Based on the properties of the standard wood wall, a new T-shaped fastener was designed for the midply wood wall. The lateral performance of the reinforced standard wood shear wall and midply wood shear wall were tested. By adding T-shaped pull-up fasteners, sandwich wall structure and double row nails, the strength, stiffness, and ductility of the midply wood wall were substantially better than those of standard walls connected with twist nails using conventional pull-up fasteners.

Vibration Suppression and Energy Harvesting of Nonlinear Energy Sink-Based Piezoelectric System with Combined Damping and Bistability Properties for Nonlinear Oscillator

Nonlinear energy sink (NES) as a new type of dynamic absorber has received widespread attention due to its broadband vibration suppression capability, but it has a certain requirement of energy triggering threshold. In this work, a bistable NES-based piezoelectric system with combined damping (BCPNES) and low threshold requirement is proposed. Electromechanical-coupled equations for the nonlinear oscillator coupled with BCPNES (NO-BCPNES) are established. The vibration suppression and vibration energy harvesting performance for the coupled system are investigated numerically and analytically. The frequency–energy plots of the conservative system are investigated using the complex-variable averaging method and the electromechanical decoupling method. The influence of circuit parameters on the target energy transfer threshold and harvested energy is discussed through the equivalent stiffness and damping of the circuit. The vibration suppression performance and the target energy transfer characteristics are analyzed in terms of the time–history response, the time–frequency response and the slowly varying dynamic flow, respectively. The results show that the electromechanical coupling coefficient affects the skeleton curve of frequency–energy plots in the form of equivalent stiffness. The NO-BCPNES system exhibits higher energy dissipation performance and better targeted energy transfer form under various excitations. From the phase perspective, NES-based piezoelectric system achieves vibration suppression of the main structure through the phase locking phenomenon. The mechanism of the influence of piezoelectric device parameters on the energy harvesting performance of the systems is clarified.

Seismic experiment and performance analysis on embedded optimized steel plate-reinforced concrete composite shear wall under multi-dimensional loading

In order to investigate the seismic performance of reinforced concrete shear walls under multi-dimensional loading mode and its effect on performance improvement, an embedded optimized steel plate-reinforced concrete composite shear wall is proposed. Based on the design principle that the shear wall could adequately bear multi-dimensional loading and the embedded steel plate could reach the full stress state, the X-shaped optimized steel plate (for in-plane loading mode) and the triangular optimized steel plate (for out-of-plane loading mode) are determined using different optimization methods. The combination scheme of these two plates is utilized in the oblique loading mode. Quasi-static loading tests are conducted on eight typical shear wall specimens, and performance parameters such as hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, ductility, stiffness degradation, strain evolution, and damage evaluation of the specimens are compared and analyzed. In addition, variable parameter analysis is performed using finite element software to compare the strain distribution state of each steel plate. The results indicate that the embedded optimized steel plate-reinforced concrete composite shear wall structure exhibits higher bearing capacity, greater deformation capacity, and superior energy dissipation capacity under different loading angles compared to the tradition reinforced concrete shear walls. This composite structure can provide greater lateral stiffness, and the optimized steel plate can reach the full stress state at all loading angles, effectively reducing the damage of steel bars and concrete. These findings offer a foundation for the study of seismic performance and performance improvement methods for shear wall structures under multi-dimensional earthquake action.

Experimental investigation and numerical simulation on seismic performance of self-centering bridge bents with energy-dissipation beams

This study explores the creation of self-centering bridge bents with energy-dissipation (ED) beams to enhance seismic resilience. This design combines the concepts of cast-in-place bridge bents with ED components and self-centering rocking piers. The self-centering bridge bent with ED beams integrates cooperative mechanisms, for bearing, stability, energy dissipation, and recoverable capacity. Two types of specimens were designed and constructed: self-centering bridge bents with and without ED beams, referred to as specimens SCB-EDB and SCB, respectively. Quasi-static tests were conducted to thoroughly assess the seismic performance, including lateral force, stiffness, energy dissipation, and self-centering capacity, of these specimens. The results show that both specimens exhibit a distinct flag-shaped hysteresis curve, demonstrating good self-centering capacity. However, the ED beams slightly reduce the self-centering capacity of the bridge bent. Specimen SCB-EDB shows significantly higher lateral force, stiffness, and energy dissipation capacity than specimen SCB. The ED beams also contribute to reducing damage and sliding of the column. Numerical models were established in OpenSees to reproduce the test results of specimens SCB-EDB and SCB. The numerical results closely match the corresponding test results, effectively capturing the hysteresis behavior, skeleton curves, stiffness variations, and energy dissipation capacity. Consequently, both numerical models could accurately replicate the quasi-static test results.

Axial hysterestic behavior of prestressed CFDST columns for lattice-type wind turbine towers

The escalating power outputs of wind turbines necessitate enhanced load-bearing capabilities in their support structures. A new type of prestressed concrete-filled double skin steel tubular (CFDST) lattice-type wind turbine tower has been proposed to replace the original steel-concrete hybrid tower. The corner columns of the tower are made of prestressed CFDST columns, with the prestressing steel strands situated within the hollow area. While numerous studies have researched the axial characteristics of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns, investigations into prestressed CFDST columns subjected to axial cyclic loading remain sparse. To address this research gap, this study carried out the experimental and finite element studies of eight prestressed CFDST columns under axial tensile, axial compressive, and tensile-compressive cyclic loads. Detailed analyses of failure modes, hysteresis curves, stiffness degradation, skeleton curves and ductility were conducted. The test results indicate that the prestressing enables the concrete to establish good contact with the steel tubes, thereby preventing the premature cracking. At a cost of approximately 6.8 % reduction in axial compressive load, the axial tensile load of the structure is enhanced by about 47.2 %. Furthermore, an advanced finite element (FE) model, refined based on the test, closely matched the experimental data, thereby validating its accuracy for subsequent mechanism and parameter investigation.

Base joint hysteresis model for reinforced concrete assembly columns with post-pouring area

In response to the problem of uncontrollable grouting quality of traditional grouting sleeves in the connection between prefabricated components, a column base joint with post pouring area connected by grouting sleeves (PCGS) is proposed. Both the sleeve and post pouring area could cause differences in hysteresis characteristics between prefabricated and cast-in-place components. In order to investigate the hysteresis model of PCGS column base joint, the cyclic load tests and finite element parametric analysis of PCGS column base joint were conducted. The theoretical calculation method for load and displacement of PCGS column base joint at yield, peak, and ultimate characteristic points was established based on equivalent rectangular stress and plastic hinge length in joint area. The average ratios of theoretical calculations to test results for load and displacement at the above three characteristic points are 0.997, 0.983, and 0.983, and 1.020, 1.041, and 0.970, respectively, indicating that the theoretical calculation method can accurately predict the strength and deformation of PCGS column base joint. The dimensionless skeleton curve model with double broken lines in the elastic and strengthening stages, and exponential function in descending stage has been established based on the test and simulated results. The degradation behavior of unloading stiffness and bearing capacity was quantitatively described using the regression fitting method, and the hysteresis rule was defined. The established hysteresis model can effectively reflect the strength and stiffness degradation under cyclic loading, which can provide guidance for the elastic-plastic seismic response analysis of PCGS column base joint.

Experiment and restoring force model study of precast shear walls with new rabbet-unbonded horizontal connection

The 'rabbet-unbonded horizontal connection' (RUHC) is a new connection form of precast shear wall. This study conducted a low-cycle repeated loading test on three RUHC walls to investigate the hysteretic performance of the walls with the 'axial compression ratio' and 'unbonded level' as the main variables and the results showed that the above two parameters remarkably affected the seismic performance of RUHC walls. Based on the analysis of test skeleton and hysteresis curve characteristic, the influence of parameters such as axial compression ratio and unbonded level on the load and displacement during the loading process was analyzed. The theoretical values of yield, peak and limit points were calculated, and the skeleton curve model was proposed. Moreover, the unloading stiffness formula was proposed by the non-linear relation of dimensionless parameters and Matlab software fitting, and the hysteresis rule model was established. Finally, a three-fold-linear restoring force model of RUHC walls composed of the theoretical skeleton curve and hysteresis rule was established and verified. This model provides an effective prediction for the hysteresis characteristics and a theoretical basis for conducting elastic-plastic analysis of RUHC structures.

Experimental study on the seismic performance of two-storey UHPC modular building structure

Ultra-high performance concrete modular building is a new structural system in which the module units made by the factory with UHPC materials are transported to the site for assembly. To study the seismic performance of UHPC module building structures, a two-story full-scale module building structure made by UHPC is designed in this study. Lateral cyclic loading tests are performed to investigate the seismic performance of the module building structures. The bearing capacity, failure mode, stiffness degradation, hysteretic performance, residual deformation, and strain skeleton curve are analyzed. Results indicate that the specimen undergoes three stress stages: elasticity, yield, and ultimate under lateral cyclic loading. At ultimate load capacity, the maximum inter-story drift ratio reached 1/57, and the load-bearing capacity was approximately 1.20 times the yield strength. The average ductility factor of the specimens was 3.42. The cracks mainly appear at the bottom and top of the walls of the module unit, and initial cracks occur at the top of the wall of the upper module unit. The specimen exhibits excellent seismic performance, full hysteretic curves, good dissipation capacity and ductility. The four corners between module units are connected by grouting sleeves in a reliable way to transfer force, which can ensure the overall deformation requirements of the structure.

Experimental and simulation study on seismic performance of seawater sea-sand PVA cementitious composite columns with GFRP bars

The seismic properties of seven seawater sea-sand (SWSS) PVA cementitious composite columns with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars were studied. The effects of four parameters, namely polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber content, axial compression ratio, cementitious composite strength and stirrup spacing, on the seismic performance of composite columns were analyzed. The failure of the specimen was observed, and the hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation capacity, ductility and strain of the specimen were analyzed. The test results show that the large chip-based spalling will occur when the specimen without fiber incorporation is damaged, and the incorporation of PVA fiber, the reduction of stirrup spacing and the reduction of axial compression ratio will delay the rate of crack formation and development. In addition, through cross-section analysis and considering the reinforcement effect of PVA fibers, a proposed formula for calculating the horizontal bearing capacity of composite columns is proposed. Finally, the finite element model of SWSS PVA cementitious composite columns with GFRP bars is established, and it is found that increasing the strength grade of cementitious materials can greatly improve the seismic performance of composite columns. The conclusions could be references for the engineering application. In the context of the global emphasis on green development and environmental protection, seawater and sea-sand cementitious composites and components with fiber reinforcement will have a wide range of application prospects in the construction of coastal areas.

Hysteretic behavior of eccentric RHS beam-to-column joints under cyclic in-plane bending

This paper conducted experimental and numerical studies on the hysteretic behavior of eccentric rectangular hollow section (RHS) beam-to-column joints under cyclic in-plane bending. The study began with the design of both stiffened and unstiffened joints, followed by hysteresis tests that revealed failure modes like web weld tearing and stiffener fracture. The seismic performance of the joints was evaluated using hysteresis curves, skeleton curves, ductility coefficients, strength degradation coefficients, and energy dissipation coefficients. Compared to unstiffened joints, the stiffened joints exhibited a 30 % increase in peak load and a 18 % improvement in maximum energy dissipation coefficient. Subsequently, finite element (FE) analysis was performed, and the influence of key parameters on the hysteretic behavior was studied using validated FE models. The results indicated that the hysteretic behavior was positively correlated with the flange width ratio of beam to column, the ratio of beam section height to column flange width, and the thickness ratio of beam to column, while it was negatively correlated with the width-to-thickness ratio of the column. Finally, a mathematical model for the hysteretic behavior of both stiffened and unstiffened joints was developed and validated through experimental and FE comparison, offering practical applicability in engineering design.

Experimental study on seismic performance of seismic-damaged precast steel reinforced (recycled) concrete frame structure after strengthened and repaired

In order to understand the seismic performance and failure mechanism of the seismic-damaged prefabricated steel (recycled) concrete frame after strengthening and repairing, this paper uses four different strengthened methods, including carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), high-strength steel wire cloth (HSSWC), oblique support and enveloped steel jacket. Four seismic-damaged prefabricated steel (recycled) concrete frames were strengthened by single or composite strengthening, and low-cycle reciprocating failure tests were carried out on all frame specimens. The final failure mode of the reinforced specimens under simulated seismic load was observed. The seismic performance indexes such as load-displacement (P-Δ) hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, and stiffness degradation of each specimen before and after strengthening were compared and analyzed. The test results show that the strengthening methods used in this test can effectively restore the seismic performance of the seismic-damaged prefabricated steel (recycled) concrete frame. The specimens show a typical ductile failure mode, and the P-Δ hysteresis curve of the specimens is relatively full. For a single strengthened form, CFRP strengthened can more significantly restore and improve the ductility of the specimen than HSSWC strengthened, but the cumulative energy dissipation capacity of the specimen after HSSWC strengthened is stronger. The bearing capacity of the specimens after composite-strengthened is significantly improved, and the damage degree of the structure is reduced. The addition of oblique support and an enveloped steel jacket can provide greater lateral stiffness for the specimens and improve the failure mode of the specimens. The results of this paper can provide a scientific basis for the selection and design of strengthened methods for prefabricated steel-reinforced concrete structures after earthquake damage.

Seismic performance of square concrete-filled steel tubular column-composite beam single-side bolted joints: An experimental and numerical study

The seismic behavior of square concrete-filled steel tubular (SCFST) column-composite beam single-side bolted joints has not been fully investigated. To address this gap, both experimental and numerical studies were conducted, focusing on the impact of various parameters. This research entailed constructing and testing nine prototypes of SCFST column-composite beam single-side bolted joints, scaled to a 1/2 zoom ratio, under conditions simulating seismic loads. Variables considered in these tests included the presence of stiffener ribs, bidirectional stirrups, the section height of the steel beam, and the axial compression ratio. A finite element model was developed and its accuracy was affirmed through comparison with the experimental outcomes. The analysis encompassed several aspects: the hysteretic response, skeleton curves, strain, ductility, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation. The findings revealed that the design of bidirectional stirrups is crucial, especially under high axial compression ratios (n = 0.8), in preventing compression-flexure failures at the column ends. The hysteresis curves of the specimens manifested in two distinct shapes: spindle-shaped with bidirectional stirrups and bow-shaped without them. Enhancements such as the addition of stiffener ribs or an increase in the steel beam’s height resulted in a more comprehensive hysteresis curve, and improvements in the initial rotational stiffness, flexural bearing capacity, and energy dissipation capability of the specimens were observed. Notably, even when the beam-column bending capacity ratio in the SCFST column-composite beam single-side bolted joint reached 1.5, the joint’s energy absorption was predominantly governed by the beam’s energy dissipation.