Parametric study on seismic performance of self-centering reinforced concrete column with bottom-placed rubber layer

To realize seismic-resilient reinforced concrete (RC) moment-resisting frame structures, a novel self-centering RC column with a rubber layer placed at the bottom (SRRC column) is proposed herein. For the column, the longitudinal reinforcement dissipates seismic energy, the rubber layer allows the rocking of the column, and the unbonded prestressed tendon enables self-centering capacity. A refined finite element model of the SRRC column is developed, the effectiveness of which is validated based on experimental results. Results show that the SRRC column exhibits stable energy dissipation capacity and no strength degradation; additionally, it can significantly reduce permanent residual deformation and mitigate damage to concrete. Extensive parametric studies pertaining to SRRC columns have been conducted to investigate the critical factors affecting their seismic performance.

Automated summary

In this paper, a novel self-centering RC column with a rubber layer placed at the bottom (SRRC column) is proposed to realize seismic-resilient reinforced concrete (RC) moment-resisting frame structures. The column utilizes longitudinal reinforcement to dissipate seismic energy, a rubber layer to allow rocking of the column, and an unbonded prestressed tendon to enable self-centering capacity. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the refined finite element model of the SRRC column, showing stable energy dissipation capacity, no strength degradation, reduced permanent residual deformation, and mitigation of damage to concrete. Extensive parametric studies have been conducted to investigate the critical factors affecting the seismic performance of SRRC columns.