Preliminary performance assessment of special concentrically-braced frames for moderate seismic regions

K. Grabner, L. Fahnestock

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Steel concentrically-braced frames (CBFs) are widely used lateral force resisting systems with high strength, stiffness, and material efficiency. Special concentrically-braced frame (SCBF) systems are a type of CBF commonly used in high seismic regions because they are designed to permit large inelastic drifts. Ductile detailing and capacity design requirements ensure braces are the main source of energy dissipation in the system. While the use of SCBFs in high seismic regions is prevalent, they are not frequently designed when seismic demands are lower. Low-ductility steel CBFs, the typical system used in low to moderate seismic regions, do not have the same detailing or proportioning requirements as SCBFs, which permits lighter system weights at the expense of ductile frame behavior. Structural behavior of low-ductility CBFs relies on reserve capacity, or secondary stiffness and strength, after initial brittle limit states. This study considers SCBFs designed for moderate seismic regions as a direct comparison to recent assessments of frame behavior and economy of widely used low-ductility CBFs, namely the R=3 CBF and the ordinary concentrically-braced frame (OCBF). Numerical models for a suite of three story braced frames are analyzed to characterize system behaviors in regions with moderate seismic demands. Pushover analyses are conducted on the models to study the benefit of inherent system ductility on collapse mitigation, to consider the effect of frame type on system economy, and to evaluate the efficacy of low-ductility CBFs widely used in practice.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication11th National Conference on Earthquake Engineering 2018, NCEE 2018
Subtitle of host publicationIntegrating Science, Engineering, and Policy
PublisherEarthquake Engineering Research Institute
Pages2182-2185
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781510873254
StatePublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes
Event11th National Conference on Earthquake Engineering 2018: Integrating Science, Engineering, and Policy, NCEE 2018 - Los Angeles, United States
Duration: Jun 25 2018Jun 29 2018

Publication series

Name11th National Conference on Earthquake Engineering 2018, NCEE 2018: Integrating Science, Engineering, and Policy
Volume4

Conference

Conference11th National Conference on Earthquake Engineering 2018: Integrating Science, Engineering, and Policy, NCEE 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLos Angeles
Period6/25/186/29/18

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Preliminary performance assessment of special concentrically-braced frames for moderate seismic regions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this