Seismic Performance Analysis of Full-Frame-Supported Thick Slab Transfer Plate Structure with Skewed Grids Design Above Metro Depot

The full-frame thick slab transfer plate structure enables a skewed grids design between superstructure and substructure, maximizing the architectural potential of the space above and gaining significant attention in engineering. However, its application is recent, and seismic performance analysis for skewed grids designs is lacking. This study investigates a residential building with a thick slab transfer plate structure above metro depot. Due to the complex force transfer mechanism, a 1/40 scale seismic shaking table test was conducted to study the dynamic characteristics and responses under 7 to 8-degree seismic conditions. Numerical simulations were also performed to verify the test results. Findings indicate that after a 7-degree rare earthquake, all dynamic indicators remained within safe limits, showing good seismic performance. Under an 8-degree rare earthquake, the first natural frequency decreased by 27.93%, causing some damage mainly in the upper tower, while the thick slab transfer plate structure remained undamaged. This aligns with the expected “strong transfer floor, weak tower” failure mechanism.