Nonlinear seismic performance of beam-through steel frames with self-centering modular panel and replaceable hysteretic dampers

Abstract In this numerical simulation study, the nonlinear seismic performance of a new type of seismic resisting modular panel termed SCMP-RHDs (self-centering modular panels with replaceable hysteretic dampers) is investigated and presented. A one-story SCMP-RHD modular panel can be prefabricated in shop and inserted into building frame bays on site. The focus of this study is to look into the nonlinear seismic behavior and effectiveness of SCMP-RHDs systems with different designs in seismic response control when applied to multi-story buildings with steel beam-through steel frames (BTSFs). Both analytical formulation and numerical simulation study results show that SCMP-RHDs panels can be designed to exhibit a flag-shaped hysteresis loop and their energy dissipation capacity can be adjusted through separate design of RHD devices. Two prototype buildings with 3-story and a 6-story steel frames respectively, were designed in this study for a site located in Los Angeles, California. Numerical simulation models are validated by comparing finite element (FE) models with corresponding analytical models. Nonlinear time history analysis of the two prototype buildings subjected to an ensemble of 20 earthquake ground motion records reveals that the prototype buildings can re-center after strong earthquakes and plasticity induced damage can be confined to RHDs in the structures through careful design.