Seismic behavior of self-centering steel beam-column connections with honeycomb lead shear dampers

To enhance the ability of self-centering, and installation convenience of beam-column connections of assembled structures, a new type of connection with a honeycomb lead shear damper is proposed considering the damage control, post-earthquake replacement, and modular assembly. Refined finite element (FE) models of the cast steel connection, self-centering steel connections with friction T-stubs and new self-centering steel connections with honeycomb lead shear dampers were established, and their static performances were compared and analyzed. The results show that the new connection hysteresis curve is flag-shaped and fuller, with more minor post-seismic residual deformation, showing stronger self-centering ability. Based on this, the parameters related to the proposed new self-centering connection, such as the initial strand tension, the initial bolt preload, the oval steel plate thickness, and the lead shear damper wall thickness, are further investigated. Their effects on the load carrying capacity, self-centering characteristics and energy dissipation performance of the connection are analyzed. Observations demonstrate that when the interlayer displacement angle attains 5%rad, the residual interlayer displacement angle of the novel connection under study registers at merely 0.26%rad. Furthermore, throughout the loading procedure of these members, the beam - column components do not undergo yielding. Thus, the connection shows good self-centering performance and repairable advantages. When the structure is under load, plastic deformation at the connections is concentrated in the honeycomb lead shear dampers and oval steel plates. In contrast, major structural members like beams and columns remain within the elastic range and do not yield.