A unified approach for the design of high ductility steel frames with concentric braces in the framework of Eurocode 8

Eurocode 8 (EC8) stipulates design methods for frames with diagonal braces and for chevron braced frames, which differ as regards the numerical model adopted, the value of the behavior factor q and the estimation of the lateral strength provided by braces. Instead, in this paper, the use of the same design method is suggested for both types of concentrically braced frames. The design method is a generalization of the one proposed for chevron braced frames in a previous study. A numerical investigation is conducted to assess the reliability of this design method. A set of concentrically braced frames is designed according to the EC8 and proposed design methods. The seismic response of these frames is determined by nonlinear dynamic analysis. Finally, it is demonstrated that the proposed design method is equivalent to those provided by EC8, because it can ensure the same level of structural safety which would be expected when using EC8. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rigid‐plastic models for the seismic design and assessment of steel framed structures

This paper demonstrates the applicability of response history analysis based on rigid‐plastic models for the seismic assessment and design of steel buildings. The rigid‐plastic force–deformation relationship as applied in steel moment‐resisting frames (MRF) is re‐examined and new rigid‐plastic models are developed for concentrically‐braced frames and dual structural systems consisting of MRF coupled with braced systems. This paper demonstrates that such rigid‐plastic models are able to predict global seismic demands with reasonable accuracy. It is also shown that, the direct relationship that exists between peak displacement and the plastic capacity of rigid‐plastic oscillators can be used to define the level of seismic demand for a given performance target. Copyright© 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic performance of chevron-configured special concentrically braced frames with yielding beams

Current seismic design requirements for special concentrically braced frames (SCBFs) in chevron configurations require that the beams supporting the braces be designed to resist the demands resulting from the simultaneous yielding of the tension brace and degraded, post-buckling strength of the compression brace. Recent research, including large-scale experiments and detailed finite-element analyses, has demonstrated that limited beam yielding is not detrimental to chevron braced frame behavior and actually increases the story drift at which the braces fracture. These findings have resulted in new expressions for computing beam demands in chevron SCBFs that reduce the demand in the tension brace to be equal to the expected compressive capacity at buckling of the compression brace. In turn, the resultant force on the beam is reduced as is the required size of the beam. Further study was undertaken to investigate the seismic performance of buildings with SCBFs, including chevron SCBFs with and without yielding beams and X-braced frames. Prototype three- and nine-story braced frames were designed using all three framing systems, that is, chevron, chevron with yielding beams, and X SCBFs, resulting in six building frames. The nonlinear dynamic response was studied for ground motions simulating two different seismic hazard levels. The results were used to characterize the seismic performance in terms of the probability of salient damage states including brace fracture, beam vertical deformation, and collapse. The results demonstrate that the seismic performance of chevron SCBFs with limited beam yielding performs as well as or better than the conventionally designed chevron and X SCBFs.     

Proposal of design rules for ductile X-CBFS in the framework of EUROCODE 8

Cross concentrically braced frames (X-CBFs) are commonly used as primary seismic resisting system, owing to their large lateral stiffness, simplicity of design, and relatively low constructional cost. Current EN 1998-1 provides design rules theoretically aiming at developing ductile global plastic mechanism, namely enforcing plastic deformations in the diagonal members, while the remaining structural members and connections should elastically behave. However, as widely demonstrated by many existing studies, the design and the corresponding seismic performance of EC8-compliant X-CBFs are generally affected by several criticisms, eg, difficulties in sizing of diagonal members, massive and non-economical structures, and poor seismic behavior. In light of these considerations, the research activity presented in this paper is addressed to revise the design rules and requirements given EN 1998-1 for X-CBFs to simplify the design process and to improve the ductility and the dissipative capacity of this structural system. Hence, design rules are proposed for the next version of EN 1998-1 and numerically validated by means of nonlinear dynamic analyses.     

Simplified seismic fatigue evaluation for rigid steel connections

A simplified fatigue-life model is proposed for assessing the seismic inelastic rotational capacity of steel connections. First relations are developed for rigid steel connections under lateral loading. Next this is extended to account for the effects of the welded steel moment frame (WSMF) connections of the so-called pre-Northridge type. The seismic fatigue theory is validated against experimental results. The experiments were conducted under increasing ductility amplitudcs until the onset of fracture. Miner‘ rule was used to convert the test results to given an equivalent constant amplitude cyclic fatigue life. Satisfactory agreement is obtained when comparing the experimental observations with the theoretical predictions.     

Estimation of seismic drift and ductility demands in planar regular X‐braced steel frames

This paper summarizes the results of an extensive study on the inelastic seismic response of X‐braced steel buildings. More than 100 regular multi‐storey tension‐compression X‐braced steel frames are subjected to an ensemble of 30 ordinary (i.e. without near fault effects) ground motions. The records are scaled to different intensities in order to drive the structures to different levels of inelastic deformation. The statistical analysis of the created response databank indicates that the number of stories, period of vibration, brace slenderness ratio and column stiffness strongly influence the amplitude and heightwise distribution of inelastic deformation. Nonlinear regression analysis is employed in order to derive simple formulae which reflect the aforementioned influences and offer a direct estimation of drift and ductility demands. The uncertainty of this estimation due to the record‐to‐record variability is discussed in detail. More specifically, given the strength (or behaviour) reduction factor, the proposed formulae provide reliable estimates of the maximum roof displacement, the maximum interstorey drift ratio and the maximum cyclic ductility of the diagonals along the height of the structure. The strength reduction factor refers to the point of the first buckling of the diagonals in the building and thus, pushover analysis and estimation of the overstrength factor are not required. This design‐oriented feature enables both the rapid seismic assessment of existing structures and the direct deformation‐controlled seismic design of new ones. A comparison of the proposed method with the procedures adopted in current seismic design codes reveals the accuracy and efficiency of the former. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

钢框架结构直接基于位移的抗震设计方法研究

将钢框架结构按其性能划分为使用良好、人身安全、防止倒塌三个水平,并用层间侧移角予以量化采用钢框架的最大层侧移模式来确定其目标侧移曲线在等效线性化的前提下,由等效位移用弹性位移反应谱求出等效周期,然后对构件进行刚度设计和承载力设计用静力弹塑性分析方法对结构进行分析,校核其实际侧移曲线与满足性能目标的侧移曲线是否一致.采用...     

不同支撑形式高强钢组合偏心支撑抗震性能研究

耗能梁段作为偏心支撑结构的耗能元件,在大震作用下通过弹塑性变形吸收地震能量,保护主体结构处于弹性受力状态。现行规范基于强度的设计理论,为了保证耗能梁段进入塑性或破坏,梁柱构件需要进行放大内力设计,导致截面过大,而且基于强度的设计方法很难保证结构的整体破坏状态。目前,抗震设计越来越重视基于性能的设计思想,该方法能够评估结构的弹塑性反应。对于高强钢组合偏心支撑,其中耗能梁段和支撑采用Q345钢,框架梁柱采用Q460或者Q690高强度钢材,高强钢不仅带来良好的经济效益,而且能够推广高强钢在抗震设防区的应用。利用基于性能设计方法设计了4种不同形式的高强钢组合偏心支撑钢框架,包括K形、Y形、V形和D形,考虑4层、8层、12层和16层的影响。通过Pushover分析和非线性时程分析评估该结构的抗震性能,研究结果表明:4种形式的高强钢组合偏心支撑钢框架具有类似的抗震性能,在罕遇地震作用下,几乎所有耗能梁段均参与耗能,而且层间侧移与耗能梁段转角沿高度分布较为均匀。其中:D形偏心支撑具有最大的抗侧刚度,但延性较差,而Y形偏心支撑的抗侧刚度最弱,但延性最佳。     

关于钢结构抗震存在的问题及建议

本文探讨了目前钢结构抗震设计中存在的两个主要问题:其一是钢结构的地震作用,由于多高层钢结构房屋被列入“建筑抗震设计规范”(GB50011-2001)中时没有考虑钢结构延性好和弹性阶段阻尼比较小的特点,使得钢结构地震作用偏大,用钢量偏高;其二是钢结构承载力抗震调整系数对梁和焊缝的规定与焊缝强度高于母材强度的实际情况不符,造成设计困难。本文对现行抗震规范、“建筑工程抗震性态设计通则”和美国UBC规范的地震作用进行了分析比较,提出按照耗能能力将钢结构体系分为四类,在此基础上引入结构体系调整系数,对每类结构的地震作用取值给出建议。针对梁柱刚性连接,从抗震设计原则出发,对7、8和9度区分别建议了适合采用的连接形式,并给出了小震和大震下的设计验算公式。     

钢框架结构典型震害的计算机模拟研究

为模拟钢框架结构的典型震害,本文基于ANSYS软件建立了钢框架结构简化模型。该模型可以考虑楼板对钢框架结构整体性能的影响,并且进一步考虑了楼板与钢梁之间的滑移、节点域变形,以及梁柱节点焊缝的断裂等因素。应用本文建立的钢框架结构模型对北岭地震中Blue Cross大厦的震害进行了模拟,与实际震害对比的结果表明,该模型能够比较精确地模拟地震作用下钢框架结构的响应。钢框架结构模型对节点焊缝断裂的钢框架结构震害研究有着重要的意义。     

Seismic behaviour of steel plate shear wall systems with staggered web configurations

Unstiffened steel plate shear walls (SPSWs) are used as lateral load‐resisting systems in building structures. The energy dissipation mechanism of SPSWs consists of the tension yielding of web plates and the formation of plastic hinges at the ends of horizontal boundary elements. However, vertical boundary elements (VBEs) of high‐rise SPSWs may experience high axial forces under lateral loading. This study explores the effectiveness of staggering of web plates on the reduction of VBE forces and drift response of SPSWs during an earthquake event. An analytical study has been conducted to determine the base shear reduction factor so as to match the overstrength of staggered systems with conventional SPSWs. A design methodology has been proposed for staggered SPSWs. Six‐, 9‐, and 20‐storey staggered and conventional SPSWs with varying aspect ratios are considered in this study to compare their seismic response. These study frames are modelled and analysed in OpenSEES platform. Nonlinear static and dynamic analyses are performed to compare the drift response, hinge mechanisms, and steel tonnage. Staggered SPSWs showed uniform drift distribution and reduction in interstorey drift and axial force demand on the VBEs.     

Investigation of the sliding behavior between steel and mortar for seismic applications in structures

The friction developed between a steel base plate and a mortar base contributes shear resistance to the building system during a seismic event. In order to investigate the possible sliding behavior between the base plate and the mortar, a shake table study is undertaken using a large rigid mass supported by steel contact elements which rest on mortar surfaces connected to the shake table. Horizontal input accelerations are considered at various magnitudes and frequencies. The results provide a constant friction coefficient during sliding with an average value of approximately 0.78. A theoretical formulation of the friction behavior is also undertaken. The theoretical equations show that the sliding behavior is dependent on the ratio of the friction force to the input force. The addition of vertical accelerations to the system further complicates the sliding behavior as a result of the varying normal force. This results in a variable friction resistance which is a function of the amplitude, phase, and frequency of the horizontal and vertical input motions. In general, this study showed a consistent and reliable sliding behavior between steel and mortar. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of deterioration modelling on the seismic response of steel moment frames designed to Eurocode 8

This paper assesses the influence of cyclic and in‐cycle degradation on seismic drift demands in moment‐resisting steel frames (MRF) designed to Eurocode 8. The structural characteristics, ground motion frequency content, and level of inelasticity are the primary parameters considered. A set of single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) systems, subjected to varying levels of inelastic demands, is initially investigated followed by an extensive study on multi‐storey frames. The latter comprises a large number of incremental dynamic analyses (IDA) on 12 frames modelled with or without consideration of degradation effects. A suite of 56 far‐field ground motion records, appropriately scaled to simulate 4 levels of inelastic demand, is employed for the IDA. Characteristic results from a detailed parametric investigation show that maximum response in terms of global and inter‐storey drifts is notably affected by degradation phenomena, in addition to the earthquake frequency content and the scaled inelastic demands. Consistently, both SDOF and frame systems with fundamental periods shorter than the mean period of ground motion can experience higher lateral strength demands and seismic drifts than those of non‐degrading counterparts in the same period range. Also, degrading multi‐storey frames can exhibit distinctly different plastic mechanisms with concentration of drifts at lower levels. Importantly, degrading systems might reach a “near‐collapse” limit state at ductility demand levels comparable to or lower than the assumed design behaviour factor, a result with direct consequences on optimised design situations where over‐strength would be minimal. Finally, the implications of the findings with respect to design‐level limit states are discussed.     

高层钢结构基于均匀损伤设计的整体抗震能力提高方法

本文主要研究如何通过合理设计来提高高层钢结构的整体抗震能力。首先,给出了高层钢结构的非线性计算模型;其次,建立了高层钢结构在强地震动作用下的倒塌失效模式的极限状态判别准则;然后,通过模态pushover分析,研究了高层钢结构在水平地震作用下的损伤规律;最后,重点研究了高层钢结构的整体抗震能力的提高方法,提出了均匀损伤的设计方法,该方法通过消除结构的薄弱层,来达到提高高层钢结构的整体抗震能力的目的。通过对两栋20层的高层钢框架结构进行极限时程分析和极限pushover分析,验证了文中提出的均匀损伤的设计方法的可行性。本文的工作可为高层钢结构的抗地震倒塌设计提供参考依据。     

An energy‐based damage model for seismic response of steel structures

This paper proposes a new model for quantifying the damage in structural steel components subjected to randomly applied flexural/shear stress reversals, such those induced by earthquakes. In contrast to existing approaches that consider the damage as a combination of the global amount of dissipated energy and maximum displacement, the proposed model represents the damage by two parameters: (a) the total dissipated energy and (b) the portion of the energy consumed in the skeleton part of the load–displacement curve. These parameters are employed to define a single ‘damage index’, which measures the level between 0 (no damage) and 1 (failure). The proposed model takes into account that the ultimate energy dissipation capacity of the steel component is path‐dependent and can change throughout the entire response duration. The new model is derived from low‐cycle fatigue static tests of round steel rods and steel plates subjected to bending and shear. The accuracy of the model is verified experimentally through dynamic real‐time shaking table tests. From these tests, it is observed that the proposed model measures the level of damage at any stage of the loading process reasonably well and predicts the failure of the structural component accurately. The model can be easily implemented in a computer program to assess the level of seismic damage and the closeness to failure in new structures or to evaluate the safety of existing ones. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic design methodology for friction damped braced frames

This paper is concerned with the design of steel frames using friction damped slotted bolted connections (SBCs) in the diagonal braces. A dynamic model is developed to describe the behaviour of a single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) steel frame that uses bilinear hysteretic behaviour for the damper. This model is generalized to MDOF systems. A novel algorithm for displacement reversal in the transition from slip to stick is presented. It uses numerical noise for its success. A design procedure that attains the stiffness of the individual braces and their elongation at the threshold of activation is then applied to a 10‐storey steel frame. This design process is a two‐phase iterative procedure that converges quite fast. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of gusset plate connections and braces on the seismic performance of X‐braced frames

Braced frames are one of the most economical and efficient seismic resisting systems yet few full‐scale tests exist. A recent research project, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), seeks to fill this gap by developing high‐resolution data of improved seismic resisting braced frame systems. As part of this study, three full‐scale, two‐story concentrically braced frames in the multi‐story X‐braced configuration were tested. The experiments examined all levels of system performance, up to and including fracture of multiple braces in the frame. Although the past research suggests very limited ductility of SCBFs with HSS rectangular tubes for braces recent one‐story tests with improved gusset plate designs suggest otherwise. The frame designs used AISC SCBF standards and two of these frames designs also employed new concepts developed for gusset plate connection design. Two specimens employed HSS rectangular tubes for bracing, and the third specimen had wide flange braces. Two specimens had rectangular gusset plates and the third had tapered gusset plates. The HSS tubes achieved multiple cycles at maximum story drift ratios greater than 2% before brace fracture with the improved connection design methods. Frames with wide flange braces achieved multiple cycles at maximum story drift greater than 2.5% before brace fracture. Inelastic deformation was distributed between the two stories with the multi‐story X‐brace configuration and top story loading. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

巨型梁设置对巨型钢框架结构地震反应的影响

本文以2个巨型钢框架结构作为算例,通过改变巨型梁数量和位置,假设了不同的结构计算方案,输入代表不同场地条件的5条典型地震动和4个场地类别的设计反应谱,应用有限元分析方法,对不同计算方案的算例进行三维弹性地震反应分析。通过对不同计算方案结果的比较分析,研究了巨型梁的数量和位置对巨型钢框架结构地震反应的影响,为进一步深入研究巨型钢结构的抗震性能及抗震设计方法提供基础。     

Dual high‐strength steel eccentrically braced frames with removable links

Structural damage in buildings designed according to the dissipative design philosophy can be significant, even under moderate earthquakes. Repair of damaged members is an expensive operation and may affect building use, which in turn increases the overall economic loss. If damage can be isolated to certain dissipative members realized to be removable following an earthquake, the repair costs and time of interruption of building use can be reduced. Dual structural configurations, composed of a rigid subsystem with removable ductile elements and a flexible subsystem, are shown to be appropriate for the application of removable dissipative element concept. Eccentrically braced frames with removable links connected to the beams using flush end‐plate bolted connections are investigated as a practical way of implementing this design concept. High‐strength steel is used for members outside links in order to enhance global seismic performance of the structure by constraining plastic deformations to removable links and reducing permanent drifts of the structure. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.