This study investigates the seismic performance and post-seismic resilience of a novel self‑centring column base connection (Ma et al., 2026) under combined lateral cyclic loading and vertical loading.
The connection arrangement is illustrated in Fig. 1. A combined experimental, numerical, and analytical programme was carried out. A simplified analytical model, capable of capturing four distinct rocking stages in the lateral load–displacement response, is proposed. Complementing this, detailed finite element models were developed to simulate the connection behaviour. Both models were validated against tests on three groups of specimens with varying geometric and loading parameters.
Following validation, a parametric study was conducted using the numerical approach to systematically quantify the influence of vertical loading on connection response. Results indicate that higher vertical loads increase lateral resistance but may compromise ductility and impair the reusability of the system. Based on the validated models, practical design considerations and recommendations are discussed.

Column base connections,Self-centring behaviour,Numerical analysis,Seismic resilience,Experimental Study