Experimental Study on Seismic Behavior of Steel Column Base Connections with Arc End-Plates Slip-Friction

Abstract

This paper proposes a new type of steel slip-friction column base connections with arc end-plates. Two arc end-plates of the steel column base, which can slide between each other to some extent, were set at the position where the column base is subject to plastic deformation. Thus, the sliding-friction energy dissipation between the arc end-plates can effectively minimize or eliminate the energy dissipation of the traditional column base connections. Cyclic loading tests were conducted to study the hysteretic performance and energy consumption performance of the proposed connections. Considerations have been given to different axial compression ratios, Belleville springs (Bes), brass plates, and horizontal loading protocols. The test results show no obvious deformation or damage during the radial cyclic loading test. The curve shape of the test measurement approximates a parallelogram, showing good force performance. The proposed connections with the increasing axial compression force can increase the energy dissipation ability and load-carrying capacity. Therefore, the proposed connection has perfect seismic behavior.