Experimental study and numerical simulation of prefabricated ECC energy dissipation wall-RC frame structure

Abstract

Reinforced concrete frame structures exhibit diverse configurations and geometrical complexity, which can lead to inter-story displacement angles and lateral displacements exceeding code-specified thresholds, thus failing to satisfy structural safety requirements. The incorporation of energy dissipation walls within RC frames has been shown to be an effective retrofit technique for enhancing both load-bearing capacity and lateral stiffness in new constructions and existing structures. Engineering Cementitious Composite (ECC), characterized by its distinctive strain-hardening behavior and multi-crack development capability, has been innovatively employed to fabricate prefabricated energy dissipation walls integrated with reinforced concrete (RC) frames, forming a novel composite structural system. Using the OpenSees finite element platform, this study developed a validated numerical model for low shear-span ratio ECC walls through the combined implementation of layered shell elements and NLDKGQ quadrilateral elements, with experimental verification confirming model reliability. Comparative analysis of two prototype configurations with different numbers of energy dissipation walls revealed significant seismic performance enhancements: the EDWF-2 specimen exhibited a 43 % higher bearing capacity than EDWF-1, while systematic evaluation of shear distribution mechanisms highlighted effective cooperative performance between components. Notably, the hybrid system maintains substantial horizontal shear resistance even at a 4 % inter-story displacement angle, with mid-span wall positioning optimizing frame-wall interaction. Performance quantification revealed remarkable improvements in three key seismic indicators—a 110 % increase in ultimate bearing capacity, a 164 % enhancement in lateral stiffness, and a 1.2-fold improvement in cumulative energy dissipation compared to EDWF-1—demonstrating the technical viability of prefabricated ECC energy dissipation wall-RC frame systems for advanced seismic-resistant structural applications.