Experimental and Numerical Investigation on the Behavior of a New Replaceable Steel Device Used in Self-Centering Prefabricated Shear Wall

Abstract

An experimental and numerical investigation on the behavior of a new replaceable steel device (RSD), is presented in this paper. The RSD consists of a steel pipe with two circular steel plates that close the ends of the tube, four stiffeners, and an added damping and stiffness (ADAS)-type steel plate that functions as a fuse element. This RSD is characterized by its compressive strength, which is much higher than its tensile strength and is compatible with the rocking behavior of a self-centering prefabricated shear wall (SCPSW), and also by its ability to dissipate energy. Three-dimensional finite element analyses were carried out to investigate the behavior and performance of the RSD, both individually and in the case where they were installed at the bottom of the toe and heel of a SCPSW. The results show that the RSD has stable behavior and is compatible with the gap opening in the corner of the SCPSW. The combined specimen of SCPSW and RSD (SCPSWR) remains stable under cyclic loading, with a maximum drift ratio of 3.98%, demonstrating that the RSD could be a viable candidate for practical use in seismic-prone areas. The behavior of the RSD was assessed by conducting two sets of cyclic tests, which provided good agreement with the numerical results. The results indicate that the RSD’s performance is influenced by the plastic behavior of the fuse element, plastic buckling of the disks, and pipe deformation. If the RSD is damaged, it can be easily replaced, because fabrication and installation of the proposed RSD is easy and cost-effective. This article proposes a replaceable steel device (RSD) that can be installed at the lower corners of a self-centering prefabricated RC shear wall (SCPSW) in order to prevent damage to the wall. The RSD consists of a steel pipe with two circular steel plates that close the ends of the tube, four stiffeners and an added damping and stiffness ADAS-type steel plate functioning as a fuse element. This device is easy to fabricate, install, and replace, and is inexpensive compared to other types of yielding dampers. One of the characteristics of this RSD is that its compressive strength is much higher than its tensile strength, which makes it compatible with the rocking behavior of a SCPSW. Another feature of this device is its ability to dissipate energy by tensile deformation. In case of damage, the RSD can be quickly and easily replaced. The contribution of the RSD in resisting the lateral load induced by an earthquake to the SCPSWR is another excellent feature of this device. Its resistant to compressive force exerted to the system is noticeable. Finally, the proposed RSD is a convenient device to prevent damage to a SCPSWR and would be a desirable candidate for practical use in earthquake-prone areas.