Advances in self-centering steel plate shear wall testing and design

The self-centering steel plate shear wall (SC-SPSW) was developed as part of a NEESR-SG research project aimed at leveraging the benefits of self-centering post-tensioned steel frames with the strength and ductility of steel plate shear walls. Initial proof-of-concept numerical simulations showed that the SC-SPSW was capable of providing enhanced seismic performance, including recentering under design-level earthquakes. This paper will present recent advances in experimental testing of the new lateral force-resisting system, as well as, design recommendations that followed from these experiments and supporting finite element analyses. The extensive test program consisted of three major components: (i) large-scale quasi-static testing of SC-SPSW subassemblies, (ii) quasi-static and shake table testing of third-scale, three-story SC-SPSWs, and (iii) pseudo-dynamic testing of two full-scale, two-story SC-SPSW at multiple seismic hazard levels. Major outcomes of these experimental and numerical studies include: validation of seismic performance of various SC-SPSW configurations, development of a new post-tensioned (PT) beam-to-column connection to eliminate frame expansion that is typical of self-centering systems, incorporation of PT column base connections into the SC-SPSW performance-based seismic design procedure, and recommendations for SC-SPSW design, detailing, and modeling. The results of this research program can be used to inform designers and bring SC-SPSWs closer to implementation.