Experimental validation and numerical analyses of a new steel post-tensioned connection for high-seismic-performance steel frames

Self-centering steel moment resisting frames have been developed as an alternative to conventional steel moment resisting frames aiming to eliminate structural damage and to minimize residual drifts under the design earthquake. In the present work, a new typology for self-centering beam-to-column connections is proposed and validated experimentally and numerically. The connection makes use of post-tensioned high-strength strands which provide the required strength and self-centering capacity. A new energy-dissipation system (ED) which can be easily replaced after the design earthquake is introduced. The connection performance is experimentally validated under quasi-static cyclic loading conditions. The experimental results show that the proposed connection exhibits robust self-centering behaviour up to 6% interstory drifts and adequate energy dissipation capacity. Nonlinear finite element models are constructed to capture the cyclic behaviour of the connection. The numerical models are then used to assess the connection performance and all possible failure modes.