Experimental and numerical investigation on seismic performance of prestressed ultra-high performance concrete frames
Zhang, Z. Ge, W. Jiang, H. Chan, Y.W.S. Tu, Y. Zang, H. Li, S. Cao, D.
Zhang, Z.
Ge, W.
Jiang, H.
Chan, Y.W.S.
Tu, Y.
Zang, H.
Li, S.
Cao, D.
Publication Date
2025-08-22
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© 2025 The Authors. This is the Author Accepted Manuscript of the article distributed under the Creative Commons CC-BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0) in accordance with the University of Bradford Rights Retention Policy.
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
openAccess
Accepted for publication
2025-08-16
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Abstract
To improve the seismic resilience and reparability of structural systems, this study investigates the seismic performance of prestressed and non-prestressed ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) frames through low-cycle reversed loading tests and finite element simulations. Both frames exhibited plastic hinge formation at beam ends, with the prestressed UHPC frame showing superior damage control, including fewer cracks, narrower crack widths, and reduced concrete crushing. The prestressed UHPC frame demonstrated 6.0 % higher peak load capacity, improved ductility, enhanced energy dissipation, and slower stiffness degradation compared to the non-prestressed frame. As concrete strength increased, performance improved when the axial load ratio was below 0.3, but deteriorated beyond this threshold. It is recommended that the axial load ratio not exceed 0.3 for UHPC frames. Increasing the prestress level and prestressed steel strand diameter only lead to very limited improvements in lateral stiffness and load-bearing capacity. Increasing column reinforcement ratio improved load-bearing capacity and ductility, but benefits diminished at higher axial load ratios. Increasing beam reinforcement enhanced stiffness but accelerated stiffness degradation and reduced ductility. This study provides key insights and recommendations for optimizing the seismic performance of prestressed UHPC frame structures in earthquake-prone regions.
Version
Accepted manuscript
Citation
Zhang Z, Ashour A, Ge W, et al (2025) Experimental and numerical investigation on seismic performance of prestressed ultra-high performance concrete frames. Journal of Building Engineering. 112: 113789.
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Article