A five-story moment frame structural model with a base isolation system was tested on a shaking table. The isolation system comprised both linear natural rubber bearing (LNR) and nonlinear viscous dampers (NLVDs). Seven ground motions were employed: including three far-fault (FF) and four near-fault (NF) earthquake ground motions. The performance of the isolation system was evaluated by measuring the displacement and base shear of the isolation bearings. Furthermore, the axial force and displacement of the NLVDs were measured. The evolution of the fundamental dynamic frequency of the frame during the test was also determined. During strong earthquakes, NF ground motions caused larger story drifts and floor accelerations of the superstructure than FF ground motions. The displacement and base shear of the isolation base was very large when the isolated structure was subjected to Kobe_TAK000 and ChiChi_TCU102/278 pulse-like NF ground motions. Furthermore, the LNR s experienced tension and uplift when the PGA of input earthquake ground motions was larger than 0.80 g. Although the NLVDs performed very well in combination with the LNRs, the severe responses of the isolation bearings were caused by NF ground motion with a pulse period T_p neighboring the fundamental period of the isolated structure.

Due to aesthetic demands and the necessity for multi-functionality, a unique structure with one or multiple links connecting adjacent buildings has attracted the attention of researchers. In order to improve vibration control, this study investigates the seismic mitigation performance of a connected structure with a one-side damping layer. The simplified shear model is employed to derive the structure’s motion equation. Based on the Kanai-Tajimi filtered spectrum model, the seismic response variances are calculated using the Lyapunov equation. To investigate the seismic energy distribution and mitigation performance, three models of the connected structure with a damping layer are analyzed using the index of the mean kinetic energy. The results shows that the stiffness and damping coefficient affects the vibration energy, while the excessive stiffness of the damping layer is shown to be detrimental to the damping effects. In sum, the novel connected structure shows excellent damping ability and effectively reduces the vibration energy. Damping layers placed at a lower position with a stiffer structure are shown to enhance the damping effect and lead to more energy dissipation through the damping layer. Thus, this study concludes that the introduction of a One-Side damping layer into the connected structure is an excellent alternative strategy for adjusting the energy distribution of the connected structure and meeting the design requirements.

Steel–timber composite (STC) structures offer a sustainable and low-carbon structural solution. Steel–timber interface behavior is critical for the mechanical performance of STC structures. This paper introduces a novel connection for steel–timber composites (STC) that combines mechanical interlocking with adhesive bonding through an epoxy-bonded bolted design. Epoxy resin is injected into the timber dowel slots, followed by pre-tightening of the bolts, forming a composite dowel system where the ‘bolt–epoxy resin–timber’ components work in synergy. The load–displacement characteristics and failure modes of nine specimen groups were investigated through a series of double-shear push-out tests. The influence of a wide range of connector parameters on the stiffness, shear bearing capacity, and ductility of STC joints was systematically investigated. The parameters included fastener strength grade, thread configuration, diameter, number, and the use of epoxy resin reinforcement. The experimental results demonstrated that high-strength partially threaded bolts were crucial for achieving a synergy of high load-bearing capacity and commendable ductility, while full-threaded bolts exhibited vulnerability to brittle shear failure, a consequence of stress concentration at the root of the threads. Although screw connections provided enhanced initial stiffness through timber anchorage, ordinary bolt connections exhibited superior ultimate load-bearing capacity. In comparison with conventional bolt connections, epoxy resin–bolt connections exhibited enhanced mechanical properties, with an augmentation in ultimate load and initial stiffness of 12% and 11.8%, respectively, without sacrificing ductility.