Kinematics of Self-Centering Steel Plate Shear Walls with NewZ-BREAKSS Post-Tensioned Rocking Connection

Abstract

This paper presents information on the combined contribution of post-tensioning and beam-to-column joint rocking connections in self-centering steel plate shear walls (SC-SPSWs) with the NewZ-BREAKSS connection (i.e., NZ-SC-SPSW). Detailed free-body diagrams developed and presented in this paper provide insights on the basic, fundamental kinematic behavior of this lateral force-resisting system. The fundamental equations presented provide information on the behavior of SC-SPSWs and are suitable to facilitate design. These are needed for the implementation and understanding of these types of self-centering steel frame systems.