Self-centering steel column base with metallic energy dissipation devices

Column bases of seismic-resistant steel frames are typically designed as full-strength to ensure that plastic hinges develop in the bottom end of the first-storey columns. Alternatively, column bases may be designed as partial-strength and dissipate energy through inelastic deformations in their main components (i.e., base plate, steel anchor rods). Both design philosophies result in difficult-to-repair damage and residual drifts. Moreover, the second design philosophy results in complex hysteretic behaviour with strength and stiffness deterioration. This paper proposes a partial-strength low-damage self-centering steel column base. The column base provides flexibility in the design as its rotational stiffness and moment resistance can be independently tuned. The paper presents an analytical model that predicts the stiffness, strength, and hysteretic behaviour of the column base. In addition, a design procedure and detailed finite element models are presented. The paper evaluates the effectiveness of the column base by carrying out nonlinear dynamic analyses on a prototype steel building designed as post-tensioned self-centering moment-resisting frame. The results demonstrate the potential of the column base to reduce the residual first-storey drifts and protect the first-storey columns from yielding.