Research on the Hysteretic Behavior of Self-Centering Timber Frames Considering the Influence of Floor Slabs

This study combines theoretical analysis with experimental investigation to examine the hysteretic behavior and seismic mechanisms of self-centering timber frames incorporating reinforced concrete slabs through tests on two full-scale comparative specimens. One specimen was constructed with a floor slab, while the other was designed without a slab, and both were subjected to low-cycle reversed loading under identical test conditions. The seismic performance of the two specimens was comparatively evaluated in terms of hysteresis curves, load-carrying capacity, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation capacity. The experimental results indicate that, under the adopted test configuration, the presence of the slab increases the initial stiffness of the frame by 81.25% and enhances its load-carrying capacity. In addition, prior to concrete cracking, the slab improves the energy dissipation efficiency through composite action. The slab also reduces the rate of post-tensioning loss by approximately 12.5%, indicating its beneficial role in mitigating such loss. Overall, this study provides both theoretical and experimental support for the quantitative evaluation of slab effects in self-centering timber frames.