Seismic Response and Design of Steel Multitiered Concentrically Braced Frames Not Specifically Detailed for Seismic Resistance
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 150, Issue 3
Abstract
Steel multitiered concentrically braced frames (MT-CBFs) not specifically detailed for seismic resistance with a response modification factor of are permitted in moderate seismic regions. Past research studies, however, have raised concerns regarding the seismic performance of MT-CBFs and CBFs designed using provisions, namely the stability of columns in MT-CBFs and connection limit states in CBFs. This paper examines the seismic response of MT-CBFs and proposes a design method to improve their seismic performance. A set of 16 prototype MT-CBFs, ranging from 8 to 20 m tall with two to five tiers and located in a moderate seismic area, was selected and designed in accordance with 2016 US design guidelines. Nonlinear response-history analyses were then performed to examine the seismic response of these frames using fiber-based numerical models. MT-CBFs designed to 2016 design guidelines are shown to experience premature fracture in brace-to-beam/column connections in a single tier, which imposes high in-plane bending demands on columns and in some cases, leads to column instability or a tier-sway mechanism. New seismic design recommendations, including requirements for intermediate struts, columns, and tier drift, are proposed. The design method aims to prevent column instability or a tier-sway mechanism and protect brace connections from excessive deformation.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
Financial support for this research was provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada. The support of the University of Alberta Steel Centre is greatly acknowledged. The author would like to thank Dr. Thierry Béland and Mr. Eshagh Derakhshan-Houreh for their input in the development of the numerical model. The author expresses sincere appreciation to Professor Eric Hines of Tufts University for his guidance on ground motion scaling and Professor Larry Fahnestock of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for his input on the development of the design method. Finally, the author wish to thank the reviewers for their cogent and constructive comments, which led to an improvement in the quality of the paper.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 150 • Issue 3 • March 2024
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 22, 2022
Accepted: Jul 12, 2023
Published online: Dec 20, 2023
Published in print: Mar 1, 2024
Discussion open until: May 20, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Bracing
- Connections (structural)
- Construction engineering
- Construction methods
- Design (by type)
- Earthquake engineering
- Engineering fundamentals
- Frames
- Geotechnical engineering
- Load and resistance factor design
- Load factors
- Nonlinear analysis
- Seismic design
- Seismic effects
- Seismic tests
- Steel frames
- Structural analysis
- Structural design
- Structural engineering
- Structural members
- Structural systems
- Tests (by type)
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