An innovative composite vertical connecting structure (CVC) with capacity carrying and energy-dissipating ability is proposed in this study, which could be used in prefabricated composite shear wall structural systems to enhance the resilience and seismic performance of structural system. The CVC structure is mainly composed of three parts, including the connecting zone, the capacity bearing zone characterized by high strength and elastic deforming ability, and the energy-dissipating zone assembled by replaceable metal dampers. The low-yield strength steel and high-strength steel are used, respectively, for the metal dampers in the energy-dissipating zone and the concrete-filled high-strength steel tubes in the bearing capacity zone to enhance the energy dissipation and self-centering abilities of CVC structures. The working mechanism is analyzed and validated through finite element models built in ABAQUS. The hysteretic behavior is simulated to evaluate their performance. First, the metal dampers are designed. The theoretical and finite elemental parametric analysis are carried out. According to the simulation results, the “Z-shaped” metal dampers exhibit better energy-dissipating ability than the rectangular shape, in which the “Z-shaped” metal dampers with 45∘ show the best performance. Simultaneously, the results of the models calculated by the finite element method and theoretical analysis work very well with each other. Furthermore, seven FE models of shear walls with CVC structures are designed. Monotonic and cyclic loading simulations are conducted. The failure modes and comprehensive mechanical performance are investigated and evaluated according to their calculated force–displacement curves, skeleton curves, and ductility coefficients. The results indicate that the CVC structure delivered preferable lateral-bearing capacity and displacement ductility. Finally, according to available design standards, the lateral stiffness of CVC structures could be conventionally controlled and some practical design recommendations are discussed.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS AND EFFICIENCY ASSESSMENT OF COMPLEX IMPACT ON QUALITY OF HEAVY CASE CASTINGS OF MEDIUM-ALLOYED HIGH-STRENGTH STEEL
