Seismic Performance of Self-centering Steel Frames with SMA-viscoelastic Hybrid Braces

ABSTRACT

This study presents a novel hybrid self-centering system aiming to overcome critical shortcomings identified in the existing self-centering solution. Two types of hybrid brace incorporating shape memory alloy elements and integrated viscoelastic dampers are first introduced, followed by a system-level analysis on a series of prototype buildings. The results show that using viscoelastic material to reach a moderate damping ratio is highly effective in peak and residual deformation control. Floor acceleration is also effectively controlled by the hybrid solution. A parametric study is then conducted, and design recommendations are given. A probability-based residual deformation prediction model is finally proposed.

KEYWORDS:

• Self-centering
• shape memory alloy (SMA)
• viscoelastic
• seismic resilience
• steel braced frame
• hybrid control

Acknowledgements

The financial supports from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) with Grant Nos. 51778456, 52078359, 51820105013, and 51778459 are gratefully acknowledged. Supports for this study were also provided by the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [51778456, 51778459, 51820105013, 52078359].