Seismic performance assessment of self‐centering hybrid coupled walls: an 8‐story case study structure

Abstract

In response to the demand for resilient structures, a variety of innovative structural solutions have been recently introduced to reduce residual deformations and expedite the repair of structures subjected to earthquakes. This paper discusses the seismic performance of a self‐centering lateral load‐resisting system developed with the intent of diminishing earthquake‐induced damage and residual deformations. The proposed solution is composed of a reinforced concrete (RC) shear wall coupled to two steel side columns with coupling beams featuring a friction‐damped self‐centering mechanism. The intended system is referred as Self‐Centering Hybrid Coupled Wall (SC‐HCW). The applied self‐centering mechanism is aimed at reducing earthquake‐induced residual deformations. Limited residual deformations facilitate the repair of SC‐HWs after severe earthquakes, which improves the seismic resilience of the structure. The seismic performance of a SC‐HCW is examined and compared with that of a conventional hybrid coupled wall (HCW). Nonlinear static and Incremental Dynamic Analyses (IDAs) are conducted on these archetypes. The outcomes elaborate the efficiency of the SC‐HCW in minimizing earthquake‐induced residual deformations.