Structural Performance Testing and Finite Element Analysis of the ENTA Wall Frame System

This study rigorously assessed the structural performance of the wall frame system through a combination of experimentation and simulation under cyclic loading. Hence, three distinct specimens were developed: the original frame (referred to as the “as-built frame”), the retrofitted frame with ENTA damper system (referred to as “ENTA-W”), and the retrofitted frame with both ENTA damper system and steel frame (referred to as “ENTA-WR’). The experimental findings revealed that the retrofitted frames outperformed the as-built frame regarding energy dissipation ability, initial stiffness, and maximum load capacity. A detailed analysis and comparison between experimental and finite element analysis results were conducted. Notably, disparities between the experimental and analytical outcomes were lower than or near five percent regarding energy dissipation capacity, initial stiffness, and maximum strength. Moreover, the anticipated failure pattern of the concrete section and the stress distribution of the reinforcing bar closely mirrored those observed in the experiment.