Performance study of self-centering steel frame with intermediate columns containing friction dampers

•We propose a new self-centering steel frame with intermediate columns.•Self-centering function of steel frame is achieved by posttensioning steel strands.•The new system improves stiffness of larger-span self-centering steel frames.•The new system possesses favorable energy dissipation capacity.•The function of intermediate columns can be restored upon earthquakes.•The new system can protect the main components from being damaged. A self-centering steel frame system with intermediate columns containing friction dampers (ICSCF) has been proposed in this study to resolve the problem that the interstory drift of the structure may exceed the specified limit in standards when self-centering steel frames (SCF) are applied in multi-rise and high-rise buildings with larger spans, and ICSCF comprises two kinds of friction dampers, intermediate column containing friction dampers (ICFD) and web friction devices (WFD), thus possesses larger energy dissipation capacities under rare earthquakes. An eight-floor prototype of ICSCF was designed and pseudo-dynamic test was conducted on a two-floor testing substructure. Finite element analysis was performed to validate the reliability of testing results. Seismic performance analysis on the overall structure of ICSCF was carried out, which was then compared that of SCF utilizing only beam web friction dampers. The test and the analyses results indicated that the introduction of ICFD has greatly increased the lateral stiffness of the structure and energy dissipating capacity, further extending the application field of self-centering structural systems, making it possible to be applied to larger-span structures.