Ductility and Behaviour Factor of RC Frame - Perforated SPSW Dual Systems

Abstract

In this paper the non-linear behaviour of dual seismic-resistant structures made of Reinforced Concrete Frames (RCF) and perforated Steel Plate Shear Walls (SPSWs) has been investigated. The starting point has been the numerical calibration by ABAQUS of an experimental test taken from literature on one-third scale three-storey RCF with infill SPSWs subjected to monotonically increasing horizontal loading. Based on results of the implemented FEM model, three types of perforated SPSWs with different percentages and position of holes have been numerically analysed through static non-linear analyses. On the basis of numerical results achieved, by comparing each other the values of shear strength, behaviour factor and ductility of the tested specimens, it has been observed a significant improvement of the ductile behaviour of the RCF equipped with perforated SPSWs with respect to the one obtained for the RCF provided with traditional solid SPSWs. In addition, the dual systems given by RCF and perforated SPSWs have provided a shear strength reduction of 26%, 46% and 51% in comparison to that of the original RCF - solid SPSW composite system, when holes percentage equal to 13%, 40% and 42% have been considered, respectively. Finally, it has been noticed that behaviour factors of perforated specimens have been increased with increasing adjoining distance among holes.