Development of column bases having self-centering and damping capability

This study focus on a self-centering system developed for column bases that can minimize residual deformation. The proposed column bases are tested in a two-third scale. The column base is pressed down on the grade beam by a pair of PC bars and reinforced by a pair of dampers. The tests show that the self-centering system equipped with PC bars has a good self-centering capability up to 0.12 rad, and the dampers can supply large stiffness and strength and energy dissipation. Their characteristics canbe assessedreasonably by simple equations.