Self-centering Devices with Paralleled Friction Spring Groups: Development, Experiment and System Behavior

A new self-centering device employing paralleled friction spring groups is developed. The fundamental working principle and fabrication procedure are first presented, followed by quasi-static tests. The devices have flag-shaped hysteretic behavior with excellent self-centering capability and moderate energy dissipation. Stable performance under multiple rounds of loading is also exhibited, suggesting that the devices are fully reusable after undergoing several major earthquakes. A system level analysis is carried out, confirming that the devices are effective in eliminating the residual deformation. A hybrid system is finally proposed enabling a well-balanced control of the peak deformation, residual deformation, and peak floor acceleration.