Experimental Research on the Seismic Performance of Self-Centering Precast Concrete Frames With Infill Walls

The self-centering structures have shown excellent seismic performance but the presence of infill walls may change the mechanical characteristics of the structures. In order to investigate the effect of infill walls on self-centering structures, three 1/2 scale self-centering precast concrete frames were conducted to cyclic loading tests. The specimens included one bare frame and two frames with infill walls. The test results were analyzed in terms of the experimental response, hysteretic curves, skeleton curves, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation capacity, strain of steel reinforcements, and column base deformation. The results showed that the infill walls had a significant effect on the seismic performance of the self-centering precast concrete frame. Compared to bare frames, the bearing capacity of frames with soft and strong infill walls increased by 10.36% and 52.37%, respectively. However, the presence of infill walls reduces the self-centering capability of the frame. The infill walls shared the load of beams, and reduced the damage at the beam ends. Based on the theoretical analysis and test observations in elastic and post-elastic stages, the process of infill walls affecting the resistance mechanism and self-centering capability was discussed. The accuracy of the proposed equations in the theoretical analyses was verified by the occurrence of crack generation at the beam end and column base, the bearing and self-centering capability at elastic and post-elastic stages.