Experimental study on seismic performance of self-centering connection with replaceable arc-shaped plate

• Published in: Journal of constructional steel research 2024-12, Vol.223, p.109044, Article 109044
• Main Authors: Li, Wanrun, Wang, Yining, Gao, Haiwang, Du, Yongfeng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Initial prestressing; Replaceable arc-shaped; Seismic performance; Self-centering
• ISSN: 0143-974X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcsr.2024.109044

An experimental study was conducted on the seismic performance of a new type of replaceable arc-shaped connecting plate self-centering beam-column connection. One ordinary bolted connection node, four arc-shaped connecting plate self-centering nodes, and one dog-bone shaped connecting plate self-centering node specimens were designed and fabricated for the study, and these six node specimens were subjected to cyclic reciprocating load tests. The failure characteristics of each node were analyzed, and the seismic performance of the new type of node was investigated. The test results indicate that the new type of node exhibits small residual deformation after an earthquake, and effective improvement in load-carrying capacity, demonstrating good seismic performance. Additionally, the peak strength of the new type of node is positively correlated with the initial prestressing and the connecting plate thickness, and the recentering capability is positively correlated with the initial prestressing. Therefore, by optimizing the combination of initial prestressing of the steel tendons and the connecting plate thickness, the seismic performance of the nodes can be further enhanced. •The new self-centering connection node in this study has an initial stiffness that is basically consistent with that of ordinary bolted nodes.•However, its peak load capacity has been effectively improved, and the residual deformation has significantly decreased, demonstrating superior seismic performance.•The variation of the skeleton curve of the repaired specimen is stable, indicating that the method of replacing the connection plate is feasible and can achieve the restoration of the node's functionality after an earthquake.