Seismic tests on a model shear wall with friction joints

Abstract

The behaviour of energy-absorbing friction joints in vertical connections was studied using a model on a shaking table. By varying the slip force in the joints it was shown that there is an optimum value that maximizes the energy dissipation and minimizes the stress for a given seismic intensity.Results given by nonlinear time history dynamic analysis are compared with values from the tests. A proposed approximate method for the calculation of the optimum slip force is given that agrees well with the other values obtained. Keywords: seismic response, tall buildings, friction joints, energy dissipation, earthquake resistant structures, model tests, dynamic analysis.