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This dataset contains data from E-Defense shake-table tests of a full-scale, steel moment-resisting frame (MRF) supplemented with spines. Herein, the spines were pin-based columns with sufficient stiffness and strength to distribute plastic deformation evenly over the height of the MRF. The specimen was tested under two configurations: first, with the spine rigidly connected to the MRF; and second, with the spine connected to the MRF through Force-Limiting Connections (FLCs). The two structural systems were subjected to two ground motions adjusted to two different scales. The tests highlighted the expected benefits of spines as well as their drawbacks of inducing large floor acceleration in the MRF and large shear forces in the spines themselves. The tests also highlighted how the FLCs can mitigate such drawbacks of spines. The data may be used, for example, to reproduce the observations presented by the authors, to compare the dynamic response of the specimen with building specimens tested in other shake-table test programs, to validate numerical models against the measured specimen response, or to formulate classroom exercises on system identification of linear and nonlinear systems. 

Mid-rise moment resisting frames (MRF) which utilize supplemental pinned-base spines (spine) to prevent the formation of story mechanisms experience higher mode accelerations at near elastic spectral values. Force Limiting Connections (FLC) can be introduced to reduce the floor accelerations from the higher mode responses while having small impact on first-mode response and maintaining the story mechanism prevention from the spine. Results from nonlinear response history analysis (NRHA) of a 4-story MRF-Spine system show how floor accelerations for higher modes are reduced with the addition of FLC placed between the MRF and spine. Peak effective pseudo accelerations are utilized to show how pseudo spectral accelerations are reduced by the introduction of FLC. Full-scale testing of the 4-storyMRF-Spine structure supports the numerical results of theMRF-Spine andMRF-Spine-FLC numerical analyses. These results show the potential benefits of adding FLC to MRF-Spine systems. 

ABSTRACT This data paper presents data obtained from E‐Defense shake‐table tests of a full‐scale, steel moment‐resisting frame (MRF) supplemented with Spines. Herein, the Spines were pin‐based columns with sufficient stiffness and strength to distribute plastic deformation evenly over the height of the MRF. The specimen was tested under two configurations: first, with the Spine rigidly connected to the MRF; second, with the Spine connected to the MRF through force‐limiting connections (FLCs). Each specimen configuration underwent earthquake simulations using ground motions with two scale factors. The tests demonstrated the expected benefits of Spines as well as the disadvantage of inducing large floor accelerations in the structure and large shear forces in the Spines. The tests also demonstrated how the FLCs can mitigate these disadvantages. This data paper reports an overview of the tests, data archive structure, and potential use of the data. The data can be used, for example, to reproduce the observations presented by the authors, to compare the dynamic response of the specimen with building specimens tested in other shake‐table test programs, to validate numerical models against the measured specimen response, or to formulate classroom exercises on system identification of linear and nonlinear systems. 

Conventional lateral force-resisting systems can provide a stable, ductile response but also experience significant inelastic demands, rendering repairs impractical or uneconomical. Thus, there is a need for novel structural systems that protect structural and nonstructural components to reduce post-earthquake repairs and downtime. A U.S.-Japan research team – including three U.S. universities, two Japanese universities, and two major experimental research labs – is developing a structural solution to reduce peak drift and acceleration demands, thereby protecting buildings, their contents, and occupants during major earthquakes. The primary components of the system are: (1) steel base moment-resisting frames designed and detailed to behave in the inelastic range and dissipate energy, (2) stiff and strong elastic spines designed to remain essentially elastic to redistribute seismic demands more uniformly over the building height, and (3) force-limiting connections (FLC) that connect the frame to the spines to provide a yielding mechanism that limits acceleration demands. This economical earthquake-resilient system is intended to be used in essential facilities, such as hospitals, where damage to the buildings and contents and occupant injuries must be prevented and where continuity of operation is imperative. The system was recently tested at full scale at the E-Defense shake-table facility in Miki, Japan. This paper provides an overview of pre-test numerical simulations, shake-table test setup and instrumentation, and preliminary test results.