Seismic Performance and Architectural Function Recoverability for Self-Centering Precast Concrete Frames with Enhanced Post-Stiffness and Energy Dissipation

Based on the principle of re-centering with low prestress and energy dissipation through sloped friction (SF) energy dissipators, this study proposes a new hysteresis concept characterized by enhanced post-stiffness and energy dissipation for self-centering prestressed concrete (SCPC) frames. The focus of this research is to compare the seismic performance of SCPC frames utilizing both traditional and novel hysteresis concepts, aiming to provide critical evidence for the advancement of seismic-resilient structures. Nonlinear dynamic time history analyses were conducted under various seismic levels to investigate the impact of the novel hysteretic concept on seismic performance indicators, including inter-story drift, residual inter-story drift, and beam-column damage. Additionally, the influence of energy dissipator configuration and prestress level on the repair costs of structures subjected to the maximum considered earthquake (MCE) was analyzed to elucidate the structural functional recovery capacity. The results indicate that the combination of low prestress and sloped friction energy dissipators significantly reduces internal forces in beams and columns compared to traditional high prestress SCPC frames with conventional friction energy dissipators. The integration of sloped friction energy dissipators and the application of low prestress to post-tensioned (PT) strands effectively dissipate the energy transmitted to the frame during an earthquake, leading to a substantial reduction in structural damage within the SCPC frame utilizing the new hysteresis concept during large earthquakes, thereby facilitating post-earthquake repairs.