EARTHQUAKE RESILIENCE AND ENERGY-DISSIPATING CAPACITY ANALYSIS OF NEW BOTTOM JOINTS IN MOMENT-RESISTING FRAME WITH ROCKING TRUSS

Insufficient self-centering behavior and limited energy dissipation capacity have been identified as contributing factors to building collapses in earthquake scenarios. To enhance post-earthquake recoverability, a function-recoverable system incorporating self-centering energy-dissipation (SCED) column bottom joints has been implemented. This study focuses on analyzing the Light Self-Centering Bottom Joint (LSCBJ) of the rocking truss through parametric simulation. A Buckling Restraint Steel Plate (BRSP) is introduced at the column bottom joint of the moment-resisting frame to absorb seismic energy. Its performance is evaluated based on the thickness ratio (α), width ratio (β), and axial stiffness ratio (ω) between the BRSP and the frame column flange. Finite element models demonstrate the analysis process, validated using a quasi-static test. Findings show significant improvement in the seismic performance of LSCBJs compared to conventional rigid bottom joints. Optimal structural performance is achieved with α = 0.80, β = 0.5, and ω in the range of 0.3-0.5. Additionally, the plastic energy dissipation of BRSP accounts for over 80% of the total dissipated energy. © 2023 Patron Editore S.r.l.. All Rights Reserved.