• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.107-122
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• 2020

Moment resisting stub columns (MRSCs) have increasingly adopted in special moment-resisting frame (SMF) systems in steel building structures, especially in Asian countries. The MRSCs typically provide a lower deformation capacity compared to shear-panel stub columns, a limited post-yield stiffness, and severe strength degradation as adopting slender webs. A new MRSC design with cored configuration, consisting of a core-segment and two side-segments using different steel grades, has been proposed in the study to improve the demerits mentioned above. Several full-scale components of the cored MRSC were experimentally investigated focusing on the hysteretic performance of plastic hinges at the ends. The effects of the depths of the core-segment and the adopted reduced column section details on the hysteretic behavior of the components were examined. The measured hysteretic responses verified that the cored MRSC enabled to provide early yielding, great ductility and energy dissipation, enhanced post-yield stiffness and limited strength degradation due to local buckling of flanges. A parametric study upon the dimensions of the cored MRSC was then conducted using numerical discrete model validated by the measured responses. Finally, a set of model equations were established based on the results of the parametric analysis to accurately estimate strength backbone curves of the cored MRSCs under increasing-amplitude cyclic loadings.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.373-384
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• 2022

To improve the seismic performance of suspended ceiling structures, various vibration-damping devices have been developed. However, the devices made of metals have a limit in that they cause large deformation and seriously damages the exterior of the suspended ceiling structure from the wall. As a results, their strengthening effect of the suspended ceiling structure was minimal. Thus, this study employed a spring and vibration-proof rubber effectively controlled vibrations without increasing horizontal seismic loads on the ceiling to enhance the seismic resistance of suspended ceiling structures. The objective of the study is to examine the dynamic properties of a seismic damping-isolation unit (SDI) with various details developed. The developed SDI was composed of a spring, embossed rubbers, and prestressed bolts, which were the main factors enhancing the damping effect. The shaking table tests were performed on eight SDI specimens produced with the number of layers of embossed rubber (n_s), presence or absence of a spring, prestressed force magnitude introduced in bolts (f_ps), and mass weight (W_m) as the main parameters. To identify the enhancement effect of the SDI, the dynamic properties of the control specimen with a conventional hanger bolt were compared to those of the SDI specimens. The SDI specimens were effective in reducing the maximum acceleration (A_{c max}), acceleration amplification factor (α_p), relative displacement (δ_R), and increasing the damping ratio (ξ) when compared to the control specimen. The A_{c max}, α_p, and δ_R of the SDI specimens with two rubbers, spring, and f_ps of 0.1f_by, where f_by is the yielding strength of the screw bolt were 57.8%, 58.0%, and 61.9% lower than those of the conventional hanger bolt specimens, respectively, resulting in the highest ξ (=0.127). In addition, the α_p of the SDI specimens was 50.8% lower than those specified in ASCE 7 and FEMA 356. Consequently, to accurately estimate the α_p of the SDI specimens, a simple model was proposed based on the functions of f_ps, stiffness constant of the spring (K), W_m, and n_s.