Modelling and parametric study of self-centering reinforced concrete frame structures

摘要

The beam-column and column-base connections of the self-centering reinforced concrete frames in this paper are allowed to open at beam ends and uplift at column bases by releasing the constraints, while rubber and prestressed tendons are introduced to ensure the self-centering of the structure. The seismic performance of the self-centering frames was investigated through nonlinear numerical modelling. Analytical models using OpenSEES are developed to study the seismic performance of the self-centering frames, and a parametric study is carried out. The parameters, such as the relative beam-to-column stiffness, rubber thickness, and the prestressed tendons on the behavior of the structures are investigated. Through this study, it is recommended to use relatively strong beams, more prestressed tendons, appropriately thick rubber blocks and prestressed tendons with proper positions to ensure the seismic performance and the selfcentering capability of the structure.