Pinching-Free Connector in a Self-Centering Braced Frame
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 149, Issue 7
Abstract
Three desirable features of a seismic-resisting system’s hysteresis are ductile behavior, consistent dissipation during loading cycles, and negligible residual displacements after earthquakes. A self-centering, pinching-free connector (PFC) was developed to attempt to meet these demands. The tension-only PFC uses a linear ratchet made from unified/metric screw threads to absorb the slack generated when a dissipator deforms/elongates monotonically. Nondestructive ratcheting tests were conducted to support the equations derived to predict the ratcheting behavior. Although the PFC can recenter unimpeded during tension (half) cycles, the ratcheting persisted on the compressive stroke during full tension-compression cycles and subsequently hindered its ability to recenter. Therefore, additional hook and ratchet stoppers were incorporated into the PFC to control the ratcheting and allow recentering from any position. This was verified in a preliminary test of a diagonally braced frame that demonstrated self-centering when unloaded. An incremental numerical procedure was able to predict the cyclic response of the frame satisfactorily from just the backbone curve of the PFC, which is mostly a reflection of the dissipator’s backbone. This paper highlights an alternate means to self-centering dissipative systems through a linear ratchet that precludes the need for buckling restraints or substantial prestressing/poststressing. One implication is that very slender braces could be used in moderate-to-high seismicity regions because the pinching is no longer an issue and the dissipative potential is restored for monotonic dissipators.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This work was financially supported by the University of Auckland via a doctoral scholarship.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 149 • Issue 7 • July 2023
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 1, 2022
Accepted: Feb 23, 2023
Published online: Apr 26, 2023
Published in print: Jul 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Sep 26, 2023
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Bracing
- Compression
- Construction engineering
- Construction methods
- Continuum mechanics
- Dynamic loads
- Dynamics (solid mechanics)
- Engineering fundamentals
- Engineering mechanics
- Frames
- Hysteresis
- Linear functions
- Materials characterization
- Materials engineering
- Mathematical functions
- Mathematics
- Rheology
- Seismic loads
- Seismic tests
- Solid mechanics
- Structural dynamics
- Structural engineering
- Structural members
- Structural systems
- Tension members
- Tests (by type)
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Cited by
- Nicholas Chan, Ashkan Hashemi, Setu Agarwal, Pouyan Zarnani, Pierre Quenneville, Experimental Testing of a Rocking Cross-Laminated Timber Wall with Pinching-Free Connectors, Journal of Structural Engineering, 10.1061/JSENDH.STENG-12389, 149, 10, (2023).