The Seismic Performance of RC Frame Structures with Exterior-Hanging Green Self-Insulating Wall

Tingting Li; Xiaowei Li; Jiaxin Liu

doi:doi:10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16

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The Seismic Performance of RC Frame Structures with Exterior-Hanging Green Self-Insulating Wall

Tingting Li

, Xiaowei Li^*

, Jiaxin Liu

Published in Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering (Volume 10, Issue 6)

Received: 10 September 2025 Accepted: 3 November 2025 Published: 11 December 2025

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Abstract

Currently, concrete wall panels have gained widespread attention from the global academic community, but there is relatively little research on concrete sandwich exterior-hanging walls. Based on relevant research by domestic and international scholars on multilayer walls, a novel exterior-hanging green self-insulating wall (EHGSW) has been proposed. Three full-scale frame specimens were constructed: one pure frame, one exterior-hanging wall frame without windows, and one exterior-hanging wall frame with windows. A sliding connection joint was placed between the upper end of the walls, while two load-bearing connection joints were placed at the lower end of the walls. The slotted hole of the sliding connections joint was limited to be 25 mm. Through low cyclic loading tests, the failure modes and seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure with the EHGSW were studied, focusing on seismic behaviors such as hysteresis curves, envelope curves, ductility, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation capacity. The results indicated that the specimens exhibited flexural-shear failure at the low-ends of the RC columns and the both ends of the RC beams, leading to the development of plastic hinges. When the relative drift between the wall panel and the frame reached the limit of the slotted hole, the stiffness increased sharply. After the failure of the upper sliding connection joint, the hysteresis curves of specimens K2 and K3 were remained consistent with those of specimen K1. The strength degradation factor of the specimens ranged from 0.88 to 0.94. The ductility index of specimens K2 and K3 were between 4.51 and 6.78, it has been improved compared with the pure frame specimen K1 (ductility index of 2.89). The energy dissipation factor of the specimens varied within the range from 0.07 to 0.181.

Published in	Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering (Volume 10, Issue 6)
DOI	10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16
Page(s)	262-273
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Frame Structure, Seismic Performance, Exterior-Hanging Wall, Self-Insulation, Connection Joints

References

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[2]	Ma, S., Yu, G., Peng, B., Seismic performance of ceramsite concrete T-shaped composite wallboard joints under cyclic loading. Structures. 2021, 33, 4433–4445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2021.07.023
[3]	Lu, J., Yang, X., Lai, Y., Gao, J., Wang, Y., Deng, F., & Zhang, Z. (2024). Mechanical and microscopic properties of concretes made with municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash (MSWIBA) exposed to freeze-thaw cycles. Construction and Building Materials, 452, 138864. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.138864
[4]	Ali, W., Shahzada, K., Shah, R., Jamshaid, H., & Noor, U. A. (2025). Seismic capacity assessment of lightweight precast concrete infill wall panels with textile waste core in reinforced concrete frame structures. Structures, 79, 109669. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2025.109669
[5]	Wang, J., Li, B. Cyclic testing of square CFST frames with ALC panel or block walls. Journal of Constructional Steel Research. 2017, 130, 264–279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2016.12.006
[6]	Li, Y., Gao, C., Li, X., Yan, Y., Ning, Z. et al. Experimental study on the seismic performance of steel frames with infill ALC wall panels. Journal of Building Engineering 65, 105739 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2022.105739
[7]	Vaghei, R., Hejazi, F., Taheri, H., Jaafar, M. S., & Abdul Aziz, F. N. A. Development of a new connection for precast concrete walls subjected to cyclic loading. Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Vibration. 2017, 16(1), 97–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11803-017-0371-3
[8]	Zhao, J., Zhang, J., Song, J., Zhou, Y., Bai, J., & Yu, H. Sliding gusset connections for improved seismic performance of BRB-RC frame: Damage-control design and subassemblage tests. Engineering Structures. 2023, 282, 115828. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2023.115828
[9]	Biondini, F., Dal Lago, B., & Toniolo, G. Role of wall panel connections on the seismic performance of precast structures. Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering. 2013, 11(4), 1061–1081. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10518-012-9418-z
[10]	Ding, K.; Kong, X.; He, S.; Zong, D. Experimental and parametric study on seismic behavior of steel Frame with ALC panels. Buildings 2022, 12, 2070. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12122070
[11]	16G101, Plan view overall representation method drawing rules and structural details for concrete structures: Beijing, China, 2016.
[12]	GB/T 50081-2019; Standard for Test Methods of Concrete Physical and Mechanical Properties. Standards China: Beijing, China, 2019.
[13]	GB/T 228.1-2010; Tensile testing of metallic materials [S]. Beijing: China Standards Press, 2010.
[14]	JGJ/T 101-2015, Building Seismic Testing Code, China, 2015.
[15]	GB 50011-2010; Code for Seismic Design of Buildings. Standardization Administration of China: Beijing, China, 2010.

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APA Style

Li, T., Li, X., Liu, J. (2025). The Seismic Performance of RC Frame Structures with Exterior-Hanging Green Self-Insulating Wall. Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, 10(6), 262-273. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16

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ACS Style

Li, T.; Li, X.; Liu, J. The Seismic Performance of RC Frame Structures with Exterior-Hanging Green Self-Insulating Wall. J. Civ. Constr. Environ. Eng. 2025, 10(6), 262-273. doi: 10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16

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AMA Style

Li T, Li X, Liu J. The Seismic Performance of RC Frame Structures with Exterior-Hanging Green Self-Insulating Wall. J Civ Constr Environ Eng. 2025;10(6):262-273. doi: 10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16

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@article{10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16,
  author = {Tingting Li and Xiaowei Li and Jiaxin Liu},
  title = {The Seismic Performance of RC Frame Structures with Exterior-Hanging Green Self-Insulating Wall},
  journal = {Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering},
  volume = {10},
  number = {6},
  pages = {262-273},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jccee.20251006.16},
  abstract = {Currently, concrete wall panels have gained widespread attention from the global academic community, but there is relatively little research on concrete sandwich exterior-hanging walls. Based on relevant research by domestic and international scholars on multilayer walls, a novel exterior-hanging green self-insulating wall (EHGSW) has been proposed. Three full-scale frame specimens were constructed: one pure frame, one exterior-hanging wall frame without windows, and one exterior-hanging wall frame with windows. A sliding connection joint was placed between the upper end of the walls, while two load-bearing connection joints were placed at the lower end of the walls. The slotted hole of the sliding connections joint was limited to be 25 mm. Through low cyclic loading tests, the failure modes and seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure with the EHGSW were studied, focusing on seismic behaviors such as hysteresis curves, envelope curves, ductility, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation capacity. The results indicated that the specimens exhibited flexural-shear failure at the low-ends of the RC columns and the both ends of the RC beams, leading to the development of plastic hinges. When the relative drift between the wall panel and the frame reached the limit of the slotted hole, the stiffness increased sharply. After the failure of the upper sliding connection joint, the hysteresis curves of specimens K2 and K3 were remained consistent with those of specimen K1. The strength degradation factor of the specimens ranged from 0.88 to 0.94. The ductility index of specimens K2 and K3 were between 4.51 and 6.78, it has been improved compared with the pure frame specimen K1 (ductility index of 2.89). The energy dissipation factor of the specimens varied within the range from 0.07 to 0.181.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Seismic Performance of RC Frame Structures with Exterior-Hanging Green Self-Insulating Wall
AU  - Tingting Li
AU  - Xiaowei Li
AU  - Jiaxin Liu
Y1  - 2025/12/11
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16
DO  - 10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16
T2  - Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
JF  - Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
JO  - Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
SP  - 262
EP  - 273
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2637-3890
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16
AB  - Currently, concrete wall panels have gained widespread attention from the global academic community, but there is relatively little research on concrete sandwich exterior-hanging walls. Based on relevant research by domestic and international scholars on multilayer walls, a novel exterior-hanging green self-insulating wall (EHGSW) has been proposed. Three full-scale frame specimens were constructed: one pure frame, one exterior-hanging wall frame without windows, and one exterior-hanging wall frame with windows. A sliding connection joint was placed between the upper end of the walls, while two load-bearing connection joints were placed at the lower end of the walls. The slotted hole of the sliding connections joint was limited to be 25 mm. Through low cyclic loading tests, the failure modes and seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure with the EHGSW were studied, focusing on seismic behaviors such as hysteresis curves, envelope curves, ductility, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation capacity. The results indicated that the specimens exhibited flexural-shear failure at the low-ends of the RC columns and the both ends of the RC beams, leading to the development of plastic hinges. When the relative drift between the wall panel and the frame reached the limit of the slotted hole, the stiffness increased sharply. After the failure of the upper sliding connection joint, the hysteresis curves of specimens K2 and K3 were remained consistent with those of specimen K1. The strength degradation factor of the specimens ranged from 0.88 to 0.94. The ductility index of specimens K2 and K3 were between 4.51 and 6.78, it has been improved compared with the pure frame specimen K1 (ductility index of 2.89). The energy dissipation factor of the specimens varied within the range from 0.07 to 0.181.
VL  - 10
IS  - 6
ER  -

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Author Information

Tingting Li

School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0004-7814-1708
Xiaowei Li

School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6307-5638
Jiaxin Liu

School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0007-8753-6973

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Li, T., Li, X., Liu, J. (2025). The Seismic Performance of RC Frame Structures with Exterior-Hanging Green Self-Insulating Wall. Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, 10(6), 262-273. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16

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ACS Style

Li, T.; Li, X.; Liu, J. The Seismic Performance of RC Frame Structures with Exterior-Hanging Green Self-Insulating Wall. J. Civ. Constr. Environ. Eng. 2025, 10(6), 262-273. doi: 10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16

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AMA Style

Li T, Li X, Liu J. The Seismic Performance of RC Frame Structures with Exterior-Hanging Green Self-Insulating Wall. J Civ Constr Environ Eng. 2025;10(6):262-273. doi: 10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16,
  author = {Tingting Li and Xiaowei Li and Jiaxin Liu},
  title = {The Seismic Performance of RC Frame Structures with Exterior-Hanging Green Self-Insulating Wall},
  journal = {Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering},
  volume = {10},
  number = {6},
  pages = {262-273},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jccee.20251006.16},
  abstract = {Currently, concrete wall panels have gained widespread attention from the global academic community, but there is relatively little research on concrete sandwich exterior-hanging walls. Based on relevant research by domestic and international scholars on multilayer walls, a novel exterior-hanging green self-insulating wall (EHGSW) has been proposed. Three full-scale frame specimens were constructed: one pure frame, one exterior-hanging wall frame without windows, and one exterior-hanging wall frame with windows. A sliding connection joint was placed between the upper end of the walls, while two load-bearing connection joints were placed at the lower end of the walls. The slotted hole of the sliding connections joint was limited to be 25 mm. Through low cyclic loading tests, the failure modes and seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure with the EHGSW were studied, focusing on seismic behaviors such as hysteresis curves, envelope curves, ductility, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation capacity. The results indicated that the specimens exhibited flexural-shear failure at the low-ends of the RC columns and the both ends of the RC beams, leading to the development of plastic hinges. When the relative drift between the wall panel and the frame reached the limit of the slotted hole, the stiffness increased sharply. After the failure of the upper sliding connection joint, the hysteresis curves of specimens K2 and K3 were remained consistent with those of specimen K1. The strength degradation factor of the specimens ranged from 0.88 to 0.94. The ductility index of specimens K2 and K3 were between 4.51 and 6.78, it has been improved compared with the pure frame specimen K1 (ductility index of 2.89). The energy dissipation factor of the specimens varied within the range from 0.07 to 0.181.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Seismic Performance of RC Frame Structures with Exterior-Hanging Green Self-Insulating Wall
AU  - Tingting Li
AU  - Xiaowei Li
AU  - Jiaxin Liu
Y1  - 2025/12/11
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16
DO  - 10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16
T2  - Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
JF  - Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
JO  - Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
SP  - 262
EP  - 273
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2637-3890
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20251006.16
AB  - Currently, concrete wall panels have gained widespread attention from the global academic community, but there is relatively little research on concrete sandwich exterior-hanging walls. Based on relevant research by domestic and international scholars on multilayer walls, a novel exterior-hanging green self-insulating wall (EHGSW) has been proposed. Three full-scale frame specimens were constructed: one pure frame, one exterior-hanging wall frame without windows, and one exterior-hanging wall frame with windows. A sliding connection joint was placed between the upper end of the walls, while two load-bearing connection joints were placed at the lower end of the walls. The slotted hole of the sliding connections joint was limited to be 25 mm. Through low cyclic loading tests, the failure modes and seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure with the EHGSW were studied, focusing on seismic behaviors such as hysteresis curves, envelope curves, ductility, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation capacity. The results indicated that the specimens exhibited flexural-shear failure at the low-ends of the RC columns and the both ends of the RC beams, leading to the development of plastic hinges. When the relative drift between the wall panel and the frame reached the limit of the slotted hole, the stiffness increased sharply. After the failure of the upper sliding connection joint, the hysteresis curves of specimens K2 and K3 were remained consistent with those of specimen K1. The strength degradation factor of the specimens ranged from 0.88 to 0.94. The ductility index of specimens K2 and K3 were between 4.51 and 6.78, it has been improved compared with the pure frame specimen K1 (ductility index of 2.89). The energy dissipation factor of the specimens varied within the range from 0.07 to 0.181.
VL  - 10
IS  - 6
ER  -

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