A Study on the Development of the Rocking Structures in Past 20 Years

Pendulum structure refers to release the rotational freedom of the structure and the foundation, so that the structure and component can lift, swing with descending manner or rotate with fixed center under the action of external forces, so as to control the intraformational deformation distribution mode of the structure. Because the building structure is inevitably damaged to a certain extent under the action of strong earthquake, the purpose of “repairable” will be achieved if the damaged part and degree of the structure can be effectively controlled. In this case, Housner found out in the 1960s that the upward lifting of buildings could protect the structure itself, which became the initial discussion of modern pendulum shock absorption system. Currently, pendulum structures have developed into a variety of branches and damping forms. This article classifies and summarizes the new developments of pendulum structures in the past 20 years from three directions, namely pendulum walls, pendulum columns and pendulum frames. It gives its own views and prospects on the future development of pendulum structures.