Damage Avoidance Self-Centering Steel Moment Resisting Frames (MRFs) Using Innovative Resilient Slip Friction Joints (RSFJs)

Higher seismic performance can be achieved by localizing the inelastic deformation in the connections (fuses) and minimizing the residual drift that are often a determining factor in whether a structure can be repaired or re-occupied after an earthquake. This paper introduces the self-centering damage avoidance steel Moment Resisting Frames (MRFs) using innovative Resilient Slip Friction Joints (RSFJs). The RSFJ provides self-centering and energy dissipation in one compact package requiring no post-event maintenance. In this concept, the beam is connected to the column through a pinned joint at the top, an RSFJ at the bottom and a slotted web plate for transferring the shear forces, when required. The RSFJ allows for gap opening in the connection upon loading and then re-centers the system when unloading. Furthermore, a secondary fuse within the RSFJ is considered to keep maintaining a ductile behavior in the system in case of an earthquake larger than the design earthquake. The conducted experimental tests confirmed the outcomes of this study.