Abstract The paper aims to select a simple and effective damage index for estimating the extent of damage of rectangular concrete-filled steel tube (RCFT) structures subjected to ground motions. Two experimental databases of cyclic tests conducted on RCFT columns and frames are compiled. Test results from the database are then used to evaluate six different damage indices, including the ductility ratio (μ), drift ratio, initial-to-secant stiffness ratio (DKJ), modified initial-to-secant stiffness ratio (Dms), energy coefficient (E), and the combined damage index (DPA) as a benchmark indicator. Selection criteria including correlation, efficiency, and proficiency are utilized in the selection process. The optimal alternative for DPA is identified on the basis of a comprehensive evaluation. The evaluations indicate that Dms previously proposed by some of the authors is the most appropriate substitution of DPA, followed by the drift ratio. For the case of the slenderness ratio less than or equal to 30, the same grades of relation between the investigated damage indices and the benchmark are observed. However, in the case of the slenderness ratio larger than 30, the drift ratio tends to be the optimal alternative. In most cases, μ is proved to be an inadequate replacement of DPA.

中文翻译：

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矩形钢管混凝土结构损伤指标评价

摘要 本文旨在选择一种简单有效的损伤指标来估计矩形钢管混凝土（RCFT）结构在地震动作用下的损伤程度。编制了两个在RCFT柱和框架上进行循环试验的实验数据库。然后使用数据库中的测试结果来评估六种不同的损伤指数，包括延性比 (μ)、漂移比、初始割线刚度比 (DKJ)、修正初始割线刚度比 (Dms)、能量系数 (E) 和综合损伤指数 (DPA) 作为基准指标。在选择过程中使用了包括相关性、效率和熟练度在内的选择标准。DPA 的最佳替代方案是在综合评估的基础上确定的。评估表明，一些作者之前提出的 Dms 是 DPA 最合适的替代品，其次是漂移比。对于长细比小于或等于30的情况，所研究的损伤指数与基准之间的关系等级相同。但在长细比大于 30 的情况下，漂移比往往是最优选择。在大多数情况下，μ 被证明不足以替代 DPA。漂移比往往是最佳选择。在大多数情况下，μ 被证明不足以替代 DPA。漂移比往往是最佳选择。在大多数情况下，μ 被证明不足以替代 DPA。