Damage sequence and safety margin assessment of expansion joints by shake table testing

Abstract

The performance of nonstructural components has attracted attention, and previous large earthquakes have resulted in widespread damage to expansion joints. In contrast to the main structural components, for which ductility beyond the design tolerance is ensured, the safety margin of nonstructural components classified as the product of mechanical engineering, such as expansion joints, is uncertain. This paper investigates the damage sequence and safety margin of expansion joints through shake table testing. The expansion joints were installed to connect 2 rigid steel frames with short and long natural periods. Four commonly used types, high‐performance and standard‐performance floor and wall expansion joints, were tested. Seven damage patterns of the 4 expansion joints were observed, and most of the damage patterns were considered displacement dependent. The damage mechanisms and relative displacements at the moment of damage were identified by using strain gauges attached near collision and damage locations. The high‐performance expansion joints showed only minor damage beyond the design motion range, whereas the standard‐performance expansion joints exhibited minor damage below the design motion range and failure at the design motion range or slightly beyond. For each damage state, repair information was obtained through a questionnaire to an expansion joint manufacturer, and the sum of the initial cost and repair cost for high‐performance and standard‐performance expansion joints was compared. The results will be useful for the selection of expansion joints in the design process.