Evaluation of the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete structures with flat slab-column gravity frame and shear walls through nonlinear analysis methods

This paper presents an investigation of the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete(RC)structures in which shear walls are the main lateral load-resisting elements and the participation of flat slab floor systems is not considered in the seismic design procedure.In this regard,the behavior of six prototype structures(with different heights and plan layouts)is investigated through nonlinear static and time history analyses,implemented in the OpenSees platform.The results of the analyses are presented in terms of the behavior of the slab-column connections and their mode of failure at different loading stages.Moreover,the global response of the buildings is discussed in terms of some parameters,such as lateral overstrength due to the gravity flat slab-column frames.According to the nonlinear static analyses,in structures in which the slab-column connections were designed only for gravity loads,the slab-column connections exhibited a punching mode of failure even in the early stages of loading.However,the punching failure was eliminated in structures in which a minimum transverse reinforcement recommended in ACI 318(2019)was provided in the slabs at joint regions.Furthermore,despite neglecting the contribution of gravity flat slab-column frames in the lateral load resistance of the structures,a relatively significant overstrength was imposed on the structures by the gravity frames.

Experimental study on the seismic behavior of high strength concrete fi lled double-tube columns

To study the seismic behavior of high strength concrete fi lled double-tube(CFDT) columns,each consisting of an external square steel tube and an internal circular steel tube,quasi-static tests on eight CFDT column specimens were conducted.The test variables included the width-to-thickness ratio(β1) and the area ratio(β2) of the square steel tube,the wall thickness of the circular steel tube,and the axial force(or the axial force ratio) applied to the CFDT columns.The test results indicate that for CFDT columns with a square steel tube with β1 of 50.1 and 24.5,local buckling of the specimen was found at a drift ratio of 1/150 and 1/50,respectively.The lateral force-displacement hysteretic loops of all specimens were plump and stable.Reducing the width-to-thickness ratio of the square steel tube,increasing its area ratio,or increasing the wall thickness of the internal circular steel tube,led to an increased fl exural strength and deformation capacity of the specimens.Increasing the design value of the axial force ratio from 0.8 to 1.0 may increase the fl exural strength of the specimens,while it may also decrease the ultimate deformation capacity of the specimen with β1 of 50.1.

Experimental and analytical study on seismic behavior of steel-concrete multienergy dissipation composite shear walls

In this paper, a steel-concrete multi-energy dissipation composite shear wall, comprised of steel-reinforced concrete （SRC） columns, steel plate （SP） deep beams, a concrete wall and energy dissipation strips, is proposed. In order to study the multi-energy dissipation behavior and restorability after an earthquake, two stages of low cyclic loading tests were carded out on ten test specimens. In the first stage, test on five specimens with different number of SP deep beams was carried out, and the test lasted until the displacement drift reached 2%. In the second stage, thin SPs were welded to both sides of the five specimens tested in the first stage, and the same test was carried out on the repaired specimens （designated as new specimens）. The load-bearing capacity, stiffness, ductility, hysteretic behavior and failure characteristics were analyzed for both stages and the results are discussed herein. Extrapolating from these results, strength calculation models and formulas are proposed herein and simulations using ABAQUS carried out, they show good agreement with the test results. The study demonstrates that SRC columns, SP deep beams, concrete wall and energy dissipation strips cooperate well and play an important role in energy dissipation. In addition, this study shows that the shear wall has good recoverability after an earthquake, and that the welding of thin SP＇s to repair a deformed wall is a practicable technique.

Seismic behavior of concrete filled steel tubular arch structures

Shaking table tests of a 1:10 scale arch model performed to investigate the seismic behavior and resistance of concrete filled steel tubular (CFT) arch structures are described in this paper. The El-Centro record and Shanghai artificial wave were adopted as the input excitation. The entire test process can be divided into three stages depending on the lateral brace configurations, i.e., fully (five) braced, two braces removed, and all braces removed. A total of 46 tests, starting from the elastic state to failure condition, have been conducted. The natural vibration frequencies, responses of acceleration, displacement and strain were measured. From the test results, it is demonstrated that the CFT arch structures are capable of resisting severe ground motions and that CFT arches offer a credible alternative to reinforced concrete arches, especially in regions of high seismic intensity.

Research on seismic behavior and shear strength of SRHC frame columns

The seismic behavior of steel reinforced high strength and high performance concrete （SRHC） frame columns was investigated through pseudo-static experiments of 16 frame columns with various shear span ratios, axial compression ratios, concrete strengths, steel ratios and stirrup ratios. Three kinds of failure mechanisms are presented and the characteristics of experimental hysteretic curves and skeleton curves with different design parameters are discussed. The columns＇ ductility and energy dissipation were quantitatively evaluated based on seismic resistance. The research results indicate that SRHC frame columns can withstand extreme bearing capacity, but the abilities of ductility and energy dissipation are inferior because of SRHC＇s natural brittleness. As a result, the axial load ratio should be restricted and some construction measures adopted, such as increasing the stirrup ratio. This research established effect factors on the bearing capacity of SPHC columns. Finally, an algorithm for obtaining ultimate bearing capacity using the flexural failure mode is established based on a modified plane- section assumption. The authors also established equations to determine shearing baroclinic failure and shear bond failure based on the accumulation of the axial load force distribution ratio. The calculated results of shear bearing capacity for different failure modes were in good agreement with the experimental results.

Experimental study on seismic behavior of circular RC columns strengthened with pre-stressed FRP strips

Bonding fiber reinforced polymer （FRP） has been commonly used to improve the seismic behavior of circular reinforced concrete （RC） columns in engineering practice. However, FRP jackets have a significant stress hysteresis effect in this strengthening method, and pre-tensioning the FRP can overcome this problem. This paper presents test results of 25 circular RC columns strengthened with pre-stressed FRP strips under low cyclic loading. The pre-stressing of the FRP strips, types of FRP strips and longitudinal reinforcement, axial load ratio, pre-damage degree and surface treatments of the specimens are considered as the primary factors in the tests. According to the failure modes and hysteresis curves of the specimens, these factors are analyzed to investigate their effect on bearing capacity, ductility, hysteretic behavior, energy dissipation capacity and other important seismic behaviors. The results show that the initial lateral confined stress provided by pre-stressed FRP strips can effectively inhibit the emergence and development of diagonal shear cracks, and change the failure modes of specimens from brittle shear failure to bending or bending-shear failure with better ductility. As a result, the bearing capacity, ductility, energy dissipation capacity and deformation capacity of the strengthened specimens are all significantly improved.

Experimental investigation on seismic behavior of single piles in sandy soil

This paper describes a quasi-static test program featuring lateral cyclic loading on single piles in sandy soil. The tests were conducted on 18 aluminum model piles with different cross sections and lateral load eccentricity ratios, e/d, （e is the lateral load eccentricity and d is the diameter of pile） of 0, 4 and 8, embedded in sand with a relative density of 30% and 70%. The experimental results include lateral load-displacement hysteresis loops, skeleton curves and energy dissipation curves. Lateral capacity, ductility and energy dissipation capacity of single piles under seismic load were evaluated in detail. The lateral capacities and the energy dissipation capacity of piles in dense sand were much higher than in loose sand. When embedded in loose sand, the maximum lateral load and the maximum lateral displacement of piles increased as e/d increased. On the contrary, when embedded in dense sand, the maximum lateral load of piles decreased as e/d increased. Piles with a higher load eccentricity ratio experienced higher energy dissipation capacity than piles with e/d of 0 in both dense and loose sand. At a given level of displacement, piles with circular cross sections provided the best energy dissipation capacity in both loose and dense sand.

Experimental research on the seismic behavior of CSPSWs connected to frame beams

The seismic performance of composite steel plate shear walls （CSPSWs） that consist of a steel plate shear wall （SPSW） with reinforced concrete （RC） panels attached to one or both sides by means of bolts or connectors is experimentally studied. The shear wall is connected to the frame beams but not to the columns. This arrangement restrains the possible out-of-plane buckling of the thin-walled steel plate, thus significantly increasing the bearing capacity and ductility of the overall wall, and prevents the premature overall or local buckling failure of the frame columns. From a practical viewpoint, these solutions can provide open space in a floor as this type of composite shear walls with a relatively small aspect ratio can be placed parallel along a bay. In this study, four CSPSWs and one SPSW were tested and the results showed that both CSPSWs and SPSW possessed good ductility. For SPSW alone, the buckling appeared and resulted in a decrease of bearing capacity and energy dissipation capacity. In addition, welding stiffeners at corners were shown to be an effective way to increase the energy dissipation capacity of CSPSWs.

Analysis of the stability and seismic behavior of the geosynthetic-reinforced embankments under earthquake

The stability and seismic behavior of geosynthetic-reinforced embankments during the earthquake is not well known.In this paper,the damage types of embankments were summarized,and the seismic stability of reinforced embankment were analyzed through an earthquake damage investigation in the Wenchuan earthquake region.Then,large-scale shaking table model tests were performed on the geosynthetic-reinforced embankment.The results show that the damage level of the reinforced embankment was almost less than that of the unreinforced embankment.The peak seismic earth pressure was nonlinear along the height of the embankment,the largest peak seismic earth pressure was roughly in the middle of the embankment slope.The peak ground accelerations(PGA)amplification factor first showed an increasing pattern and then a decreasing pattern with the increase of elevation,but there was a final increasing trend along the height of the reinforced embankment.The results can help to establish the proper design of the reinforcement embankments under earthquake conditions.

Seismic behavior of multiple reinforcement,high-strength concrete columns:experimental and theoretical analysis

This study investigates the seismic performance of multiple reinforcement,high-strength concrete(MRHSC)columns that are characterized by multiple transverse and longitudinal reinforcements in core areas.Eight MRHSC columns were designed and subjected to a low cycle,reversed loading test.The response,including the failure modes,hysteretic behavior,lateral bearing capacity,and displacement ductility,was analyzed.The effects of the axial compression ratio,stirrup form,and stirrup spacing of the central reinforcement configuration on the seismic performance of the columns were studied.Furthermore,an analytical model was developed to predict the backbone force-displacement curves of the MRHSC columns.The test results showed that these columns experienced two failure modes:shear failure and flexure-shear failure.As the axial compression ratio increased,the bearing capacity increased significantly,whereas the deformation capacity and ductility decreased.A decrease in the spacing of central transverse reinforcements improved the ductility and delayed the degradation of load-bearing capacity.The proposed analytical model can accurately predict the lateral force and deformations of MRHSC columns.

Effects of timber infill walls on the seismic behavior of traditional Chinese timber frames

This study investigates the enhanced effect of timber infill walls on the seismic behavior of traditional Chinese timber frames.Two 1/2 scaled traditional Chinese timber infill walls(TIWs),two 1/2 scaled timber frames with timber infill walls(TFTIWs)and one 1/2 scaled timber frame(TF)were fabricated and tested under low-cyclic reversed loading.The failure modes,strength,stiffness,and energy consumption capacity of the TIWs and the TFTIWs were obtained,and the effects of the TIWs on the seismic performance of the TFTIWs were investigated.The results showed that the TIWs can increase the stiffness and ultimate bearing capacity of the TF,up to 60%and 80%,respectively.The strength degradation coefficient of the TFTIWs was slightly higher than that of the TF when the inter-story drift ratio exceeded 0.02 rad,and the TIWs helped to mitigate the strength degradation of the TFTIWs.It was also found that the TFTIWs had a higher cumulative energy dissipation when compared with the TF(up to a 60%increase),indicating the TIWs had reasonably good energy dissipation capacity.When the TIWs generated a solid contribution to the carrying capacity and energy dissipation of the TF,the lateral drift thresholds were 1/100 and 1/43 of the column height,respectively.Furthermore,the TIWs and TFTIWs presented a good ductility,and the TIW could effectively reduce the pull-out amount of the tenon from the mortise of the TF;however,the TIWs had little influence on the stiffness degradation level or improvement of the ductility of the TF.

Seismic behavior of precast segmental column bridges under near-fault forward-directivity ground motions

Precast segmental column bridges exhibit various construction advantages in comparison to traditional monolithic column bridges.However,the lack of cognitions on seismic behaviors has seriously restricted their applications and developments.In this paper,comprehensive investigations are conducted to analyze the dynamic characteristics of precast segmental column bridges under near-fault,forward-directivity ground motions.First,the finite-element models of two comparable bridges with precast segmental columns and monolithic columns are constructed by using OpenSees software,and the nonlinearities of the bridges are considered.Next,three different earthquake loadings are meticulously set up to handle engineering problems,namely recorded near-and far-field ground motions,parameterized pulses,and pulse and residual components extracted from real records.Finally,based on the models and earthquake sets,extensive explorations are carried out.The results show that near-fault forward-directivity ground motions are more threatening than far-field ones;precast segmental column bridges may suffer more pounding impacts than monolithic bridges;the“narrow band”effect caused by near-fault,forward-directivity ground motions may occur in bridges with shorter periods than pulse periods;and pulse and residual components play different roles in seismic responses.

Seismic Behavior of Diaphragm-Through Connections of Concrete-Filled Square Steel Tubular Columns and H-Shaped Steel Beams

Based on the introductions of a type of diaphragm-through connection between concrete-filled square steel tubular columns (CFSSTCs) and H-shaped steel beams,a finite element model of the connection is developed and used to investigate the seismic behavior of the connection.The results of the finite element model are validated by a set of cyclic loading tests.The cyclic loading tests and the finite element analyses indicate that the failure mode of the suggested connections is plastic hinge at the beam with inelastic rotation angle exceeding 0.04 rad.The suggested connections have sufficient strength,plastic deformation and energy dissipation capacity to be used in composite moment frames as beam-to-column rigid connections.

Seismic behavior and mechanism analysis of innovative precast shear wall involving vertical joints

To study the seismic performance and load-transferring mechanism of an innovative precast shear wall(IPSW) involving vertical joints, an experimental investigation and theoretical analysis were successively conducted on two test walls. The test results confirm the feasibility of the novel joints as well as the favorable seismic performance of the walls, even though certain optimization measures should be taken to improve the ductility. The load-transferring mechanism subsequently is theoretically investigated based on the experimental study. The theoretical results show the load-transferring route of the novel joints is concise and definite. During the elastic stage, the vertical shear stress in the connecting steel frame(CSF) distributes uniformly; and each high-strength bolt(HSB)primarily delivers vertical shear force. However, the stress in the CSF redistributes when the walls develop into the elastic-plastic stage. At the ultimate state, the vertical shear stress and horizontal normal stress in the CSF distribute linearly; and the HSBs at both ends of the CSF transfer the maximum shear forces.

Seismic Behavior of Specially Shaped Column Joints with X-Shaped Reinforcement

To investigate the seismic behavior of specially shaped column joints with X-shaped reinforcement,two groups of specimens with or without X-shaped reinforcement in joint core region were tested under constant axial compression load and low reversed cyclic loading,which imitated low to moderate earthquake force.The seismic behavior of specially shaped column joints with X-shaped reinforcement in terms of bearing capacity,displacement,ductility,hysteretic curve,stiffness degradation and energy dissipation was studied and compared to that without Xshaped reinforcement in joint core region.With the damage estimation model,the accumulated damage was analyzed.The shearing capacity formula of specially shaped column joints reinforced by X-shaped reinforcement was proposed with a simple form.The test results show that X-shaped reinforcement is an effective measure for improving the seismic behavior of specially shaped column joints including deformation behavior,ductility and hysteretic characteristic.All specimens were damaged with gradual stiffness degeneration.In addition,X-shaped reinforcement in the joint core region is an effective way to lighten the degree of cumulated damage.The good seismic performance obtained from the specially shaped column joint with X-shaped reinforcement can be used in engineering applications.The test value is higher than the calculated value,which indicates that the formula is safe for the design of specially shaped column joints.

Experimental seismic behavior of squat shear walls with precast concrete hollow moulds

This study proposes an innovative precast shear wall system, called an EVE precast hollow shear wall structure (EVE-PHSW). Precast panels in EVE-PHSW are simultaneously precast with vertical and horizontal holes. Noncontact lap splices of rebars are used in vertical joints connecting adjacent precast panels for automated prefabrication and easy in situ erection. The seismic behavior of EVE walls was examined through a series of tests on six wall specimens with aspect ratios of 1.0~1.3. Test results showed that EVE wall specimens with inside cast-in situ concrete achieved the desired “strong bending and weak shear” and failed in shear mode. Common main diagonal cracks and brittle shear failure in squat cast-in situ walls were prevented. Inside cast-in situ concrete could signifi cantly improve the shear strength and stiff ness of EVE walls. The details of boundary elements (cast-in situ or prefabricated) and vertical joints (contiguous or spaced) had little eff ect on the global behavior of EVE walls. Noncontact lap splices in vertical joints could enable EVE walls to exhibit stable load-carrying capacity through extensive deformations. Evaluation on design codes revealed that both JGJ 3-2010 and ACI 318-14 provide conservative estimation of shear strength of EVE walls, and EVE walls achieved shear strength reserves comparative to cast-in situ walls. The recommended eff ective stiff ness for cast-in situ walls in ASCE 41-17 appeared to be appropriate for EVE walls.

Influence factors on the seismic behavior and deformation modes of gravity retaining walls

This study investigated the influence factors on the seismic response and deformation modes of retaining walls using large-scale model shaking table tests. Experimental results showed that the distribution of peak seismic earth pressures along the height of a wall was a single peak value curve. The seismic earth pressures on a gravel soil retaining wall were larger than the pressures on the weathered granite and quartz retaining walls. Also, the peak seismic earth pressure increased with increases in the peak ground acceleration and the wall height. The measured seismic active earth pressures on a rock foundation retaining wall were larger than the calculated values, and the action position of resultant seismic pressure was higher than 0.33 H. In the soil foundation retaining wall, the measured seismic earth pressures were much smaller than the calculated values, while the action position was slightly higher than 0.33 H. The soil foundation retaining wall suffered base sliding and overturning under earthquake conditions, while overturning was the main failure mode for the rock foundation retaining walls.

Seismic behavior of large-scale FRP–recycled aggregate concrete–steel columns with shear connectors

The application of fi ber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for the development of high-performance composite structural systems has received signifi cant recent research attention. A composite of FRP–recycled aggregate concrete (RAC)–steel column (FRSC), consisting of an outer FRP tube, an inner steel tube and annular RAC fi lled between two tubes, is proposed herein to facilitate green disposal of demolished concrete and to improve the ductility of concrete columns for earthquake resistance. To better understand the seismic behavior of FRSCs, quasi-static tests of large-scale basalt FRSCs with shear connectors were conducted. The infl uence of the recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) replacement percentage, shear connectors and axial loading method on the lateral load and deformation capacity, energy dissipation and cumulative damage were analyzed to evaluate the seismic behavior of FRSCs. The test results show that FRSCs have good seismic behavior, which was evidenced by high lateral loads, excellent ductility and energy dissipation capacity, indicating RAC is applicable in FRSCs. Shear connectors can signifi cantly postpone the steel buckling and increase the lateral loads of FRSCs, but weaken the deformation capacity and energy dissipation performance.

Experimental Study on Improving Seismic Behavior of Load-Bearing Masonry Wall Made of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete

To investigate the seismic behavior of autoclaved aerated concrete load-bearing masonry wall(AACLMW), a piece of control block wall without constructional measures and five pieces of block walls with different constructional measures were tested under low reversed cyclic loading which imitated low to moderate earthquake force. The seismic behavior of AACLMW with different constructional measures in terms of failure mode, hysteretic curve, deformation capacity and displacement ductility was studied and compared with that without constructional measures. The experimental results indicate that the constructional measures comprising constructional columns and horizontal concrete strips are effective for improving the seismic behavior of AACLMW. The study in this paper can provide a reliable experimental basis for further analysis and engineering application of AACLMW in the future.

Numerical analysis on seismic behavior of railway earth embankment: A case study

A numerical case study on the seismic behavior of embankment was carried out based on a prototype of earth embankment in Yun-Gui Railway(from Kunming City to Nanning City) in southwest of China. A full-scale model of earth embankment was established by means of numerical simulation with FLAC^(3D) code. The numerical results were verified by shaking table test. The seismic behaviors of earth embankment were studied, including the horizontal acceleration response, the vertical acceleration response, the dynamic displacement response, and the block state of earth embankment. Results show that the acceleration magnification near the embankment slope is larger than that in internal earth embankment body. With the increase of input peak acceleration, the horizontal acceleration magnification presents a decreasing trend. The horizontal acceleration response at the top of embankment is more sensitive to the intensity of ground motion than that at the bottom of embankment. The embankment presents an obvious nonlinear-plastic characteristic when the input horizontal peak acceleration is larger than 0.3 g. The maximum residual deformation occurs in the middle of embankment slope surface instead of at the top of embankment. The upper part of embankment experiences tension failure without shear failure, and area at the bottom of embankment around the symmetry-axis of embankment mainly presents shear failure under the earthquake loading. The tension failure and shear failure repeatedly occur along the slope surface of earth embankment.