Seismic Performance and Replaceability of Steel Frame Structures With Replaceable Beam Segments

Abstract

This study assessed the seismic performance and replaceability of steel frame structures incorporating replaceable beam segments. A reduced-beam-section beam-column joint featuring a replaceable energy dissipation beam segment was specifically designed for this purpose. The joint underwent quasi-static analysis subjected to low-cycle reciprocating loading. The study extended to a single-story, single-span plane steel frame, where reduced-beam-section beam-column joints with replaceable energy dissipation beam segments were analyzed for hysteretic and deformation behavior. Moreover, the exploration of parameters such as end-plate opening clearance and rotation deformation was undertaken to inform the simplification of the overall plane frame model. Meanwhile, multi-scale models were developed for an eight-story, four-span, reduced-beam-section steel frame (RBSSF) with a replaceable energy dissipation beam segment and a rigid steel frame (RSF). These models were employed to analyze the elastoplastic time-history characteristics and the replaceability of the beam segment. The results demonstrated that the reduced-beam-section beam-column joint with a replaceable energy dissipation beam segment exhibited a relatively full hysteresis curve, affirming high ductility, energy dissipation, and plastic deformation capacities. Notably, damage and plastic development in the steel beam primarily concentrated in the low-yield-point replaceable energy dissipation beam segment. The small end-plate opening clearance ensured cooperative deformation between the end plates facilitated by the bolts. Comparatively, the RBSSF structure displayed superior seismic performance to the RSF structure during earthquakes, with the replaceable energy dissipation beam segment satisfying replaceability requirements under moderate seismic conditions.