Elastic-plastic analysis of a novel prefabricated SRC column-steel beam composite frame structure

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the mechanical behavior of a novel PSRCS (Prefabricated SRC Column-Steel Beam) frame structure under static and dynamic loads. To this end, a PSRCS frame structure with PSRCS joints has been constructed using the OpenSees software, and an elastoplastic analysis has been conducted. The principal findings of the study are as follows: Firstly, a comparison of the test results for the PSRCS joints with the FE (finite element) simulation results demonstrated that the FE model based on OpenSees is an effective means of simulating the load-bearing and deformation performance of the PSRCS joints. Subsequently, a PSRCS frame structure was constructed using OpenSees, and static and dynamic elastoplastic analyses were performed. Compared to the more conventional SRC column-steel beam frame structures, the PSRCS frame structure displays superior deformation capacity when subjected to static pushover action. The PSRCS frame structure exhibits a 'beam hinge' failure mode due to the plastic deformation of the flange connection plates, whereas the failure location of the conventional frame tends to be at the column ends, resulting in a 'column hinge' failure mode. In the context of dynamic analysis, an increase in the number of stories results in an augmented hysteresis of the vertex displacement-time history curve at the upper level of the PSRCS framework. The fundamental natural period of the PSRCS frame is approximately 27.6 % to 34.0 % larger than that of the common frame, contributing to the maintenance of structural stability. In conclusion, a series of design objectives and methodologies based on performance were put forth for the PSRCS frame structure.