Estimating the energy dissipation demand of self-centering shear walls considering diverse seismic scenarios

Energy dissipation is significantly influenced by the nonlinear deformation history and structural damage experienced during earthquakes, complicating the estimation of dissipated energy in structural systems. This study proposes a practical estimation method for the energy dissipation of self-centering shear walls (SCSW) under seismic loadings, based on a damage-based deterioration index. The methodology relies on normalizing nonlinear deformation histories using the effective deformation index, which enables the transformation of complex deformation records into histories exhibiting stable variable amplitude patterns. A threshold parameter is introduced to identify and group similar deformation half-cycles, facilitating the simplification of deformation histories without losing critical nonlinear features. Classification criteria based on frequency content and effective duration are employed to select ground motion records and to group them into four different categories. They are then adopted to investigate the applicability of the proposed method under diverse seismic scenarios. Meanwhile, parametric analyses are conducted to assess the influences of the threshold parameter, seismic intensity, earthquake characteristics, and key structural parameters (stirrup reinforcement ratios, self-centering parameters, and concrete strength) on the accuracy and reliability of the proposed method. The results show that smaller threshold parameter values can retain more nonlinear deformation details and yield significantly improved estimation accuracy of the energy responses, particularly under high-intensity and long-duration earthquakes. Consequently, the threshold parameter equaling to 0.1 is recommended for the normalization process. Additionally, improved estimation accuracy is observed with increasing structural features, highlighting the method's robustness across a range of structural configurations. Validation using a shake-table test of an SCSW under different seismic scenarios further confirms the method's accuracy and applicability. By linking energy dissipation to a damage-based deterioration index, the proposed method offers a foundation for performance-based seismic design of SCSWs, facilitating targeted damage control and enhanced low-damage seismic performance.