Experimental testing of a self-centring concentrically braced steel frame

Abstract Conventional concentrically braced frames (CBFs) undergo many cycles of inelastic deformation during seismic excitation. This inelastic deformation leads to the possibility that a structure will remain in an out-of-plumb position, even if it has performed as required by current design codes. This paper presents an improved steel braced framing system that eliminates such residual deformations in the structure by using a post-tensioning arrangement to ensure the structure self-centres following an earthquake. This is achieved by combining the bilinear elastic rocking response of a post-tensioned frame with the inelastic behaviour of tubular steel bracing members to give a system that both dissipates hysteretic energy and ensures self-centring behaviour, termed the self-centring concentrically braced frame (SC-CBF). This SC-CBF system distinguishes itself from previous self-centring CBFs by employing post-tensioned rocking beam-column connections as opposed to a globally uplifting frame. The mechanics behind the behaviour of the SC-CBF are first described, followed by a discussion of an experimental test setup to validate the concept under quasi-static cyclic testing. Results from a total of nine tests are presented to demonstrate the self-centring behaviour of the SC-CBF. Comparisons with analytical expressions developed for the system demonstrate the SC-CBF performs as anticipated and presents a novel system for the seismic design of steel structures.