Experimental study and analysis on seismic performance of special-shaped steel reinforced concrete column frame

Using a prototype special-shaped steel reinforced concrete (SRC) column frame from a subway project, a low-cycle reversed loading test on 1/10 scale, 2-bay, 2-story special-shaped SRC column frame was carried out. The load-bearing capacity, stiffness and degradation, ductility, hysteresis and energy consumption characteristics were analyzed. A finite element model (FEM) of the frame was formulated to analyze the stress and the deformation behavior. The analysis and experimental results were compared to one another. The results show that the hysteresis loop of the frame is well defined and the elastic–plastic deformation capacity is ideal for seismic collapse resistance. The numerical simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental test results. The second story of the special-shaped SRC column frame exhibited the most damage in the loading process, therefore it should be further evaluated and optimized.