Pseudo-dynamic test and numerical simulation of an irregular steel reinforced concrete hybrid frame-bent structure

Abstract

The study endeavors to evaluate the seismic performance of an irregular steel reinforced concrete hybrid frame-bent powerhouse (SRC-HFBP) employed in large thermal power plants situated in high-intensity earthquake zones. Pseudo-dynamic and quasi-static tests were performed on a 1/7-scale model, featuring SRC columns and RC wing walls. Lateral displacements, strains, and crack patterns were meticulously measured and analyzed. The experimental findings indicate that the structure exhibits outstanding seismic performance when subjected to a series of scaled El-Centro (NS) waves.Remarkably, the incorporation of SRC columns and RC wing walls into the structure significantly improves its seismic performance in comparison to conventional reinforced concrete powerhouse designs. Test results show that at an earthquake acceleration of 0.02 g, the ratio of inter-story drift to structural height at the coal scuttle level (33.7 m) is as low as 1/333. When the acceleration increases to 0.04 g, the corresponding ratio at the operation floor (16.725 m) remains favorable, at 1/125. Notably, under severe earthquake conditions, when the model enters the elastic-plastic stage, the operation floor emerges as the structurally weaker level.Moreover, a finite element model, grounded in a sophisticated damaged plasticity concrete model, was developed and calibrated against the experimental outcomes. The simulated seismic responses exhibit excellent agreement with the experimental data. Both experimental and numerical investigations convincingly demonstrate the feasibility of constructing this type of irregular steel reinforced concrete hybrid frame-bent structure in high-seismicity fortification zones.