Abstract
This paper provides a general perspective of the seismic performance of a nature-inspired, honey-comb grid structural system, known as a hexagrid, under near-field ground motions. Seismic performance of this skeleton is then compared to that of a bundled-tube, as a conventional and efficient load-resisting system in order to provide a better perception of the seismic behavior of a hexagrid skeleton. Two 20-story buildings with bundled-tube and hexagrid skeleton were studied. Nonlinear behavior of the structures was investigated through 3-D finite element computer models and nonlinear time history analyses by subjecting the models to seven three-component records of scaled near-field ground motions. Distribution of peak inter story drift and corner beam-column joint rotations were calculated and compared. Results indicated that by replacing the exterior columns of the bundled-tube system with inclined beam-column elements of nature-inspired hexagons, lateral stiffness of the building increased and it would tolerate less deformations before global dynamic instability is reached. The presence of inclined columns in the hexagrid skeleton helped to concentrate local nonlinearities in ring beams rather than exterior columns.
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Kiani, Y.M., Lavassani, S.H.H. & Meshkat-Dini, A. Seismic assessment of nature-inspired hexagrid lateral load-resisting system. Earthq. Eng. Eng. Vib. 20, 661–672 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11803-021-2045-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11803-021-2045-4