Simulation of progressive failure in perimeter columns of framed-tube structures

The framed-tube structures consist of rigid moment-resisting frames in the perimeters and floors which provide lateral supports to prevent buckling of the perimeter columns. However, when the perimeter columns deform toward the outside of the structure, simple connections between floors and the perimeter columns may rupture in tension. In this study, progressive failure of the perimeter columns in the framed-tube structures is simulated by the experiments using the simplified model. A number of the monotonic pseudo-static compressive tests are carried out for a steel column laterally supported by the aluminum boards with a notch in tensional direction. Major findings include: (1) even 1% lateral support strength provide satisfactory behavior of the column before reaching the yield strength, (2) as the number of the lateral supports increases, the axial deformation of the column at the rupture of the lateral supports increases, ( 3 ) as the lateral support strength increases, the degradation of the column after the peak strength becomes smaller. These results indicate that the post-yield progressive failure of the perimeter columns in the framed-tube structures is mitigated by the increase of the strength and the number of lateral supports.