Replaceable links with direct brace attachments for eccentrically braced frames

This paper reports findings of an experimental study conducted on replaceable links for steel eccentrically braced frames (EBFs). A replaceable link detail which is based on splicing the directly connected braces and the beam outside the link is proposed. This detail eliminates the need to use hydraulic jacks and flame cutting operations for replacement purposes. Performance of this proposed replaceable link was studied by conducting eight nearly full‐scale EBF tests under quasi‐static cyclic loading. The link length ratio, stiffening of the link, loading protocol, connection type, bolt pretension, gap size of splice connections, and demand‐to‐capacity ratios of members were considered as the prime variables. The specimens primarily showed two types of failure modes: link web fracture and fracture of the flange at the link‐to‐brace connection. No failures were observed at the splice connections indicating that the proposed replaceable link detail provides an excellent response. The inelastic rotation capacity provided by the replaceable links satisfied the requirements of the AISC Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings (AISC341–10). The overstrength factor of the links exceeded 2.0, which is larger than the value assumed for EBF links by design provisions. The high level of overstrength resulted in brace buckling in one of the specimens demonstrating the importance of overstrength factor used for EBF links. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nonsymmetrical loading protocols for shear links in eccentrically braced frames

The AISC Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings (AISC 341-16) provide a testing protocol for qualification of link-to-column connections in eccentrically braced frames (EBFs). This symmetrical testing protocol was developed by conducting nonlinear time history analysis on representative EBFs designed according to the International Building Code. Although the testing protocol is intended for qualification of link-to-column connections, many research programs have employed this recommended protocol for testing of shear links. Recent numerical investigations on constructed EBFs and archetype models showed that links can be subjected to one-sided loadings with significantly higher link rotation angles than the codified limits. A numerical study has been undertaken to develop nonsymmetrical loading protocols for shear links in EBFs. Pursuant to this goal, 20 EBF archetypes were designed according to the ASCE7-16 standard. The main parameters investigated were the link length to bay width ratio (e/L), number of stories, type of EBF, and the ground motion level. The archetypes were subjected to maximum considered earthquake and collapse level earthquake as recommended by FEMA P695. The results showed that the history of link rotation is single sided and depends strongly on e/L and the level of ground motion. Nonsymmetrical loading protocols that depend on the aforementioned variables were developed and are presented herein.     

Development of detachable replaceable links for eccentrically braced frames

Eccentrically braced frames (EBFs) can be repaired after a major earthquake by replacing the links. The link replacement is not a straightforward process and is influenced by the type of the link and the amount of residual frame deformations. The past decade has witnessed the development of different types of replaceable links such as end-plated links, web connected links, bolted flange and web spliced links, and collector beam and brace spliced links. All of the developed replaceable link details, except the web connected links, are not suitable for link replacement under residual frame drift. In this paper, a detachable replaceable link detail which is based on splicing the link at its mid-length is proposed. The detail is well suited for installation under residual frame drifts. In addition, the weight and size of the members to be transported and erected are reduced significantly, thereby facilitating the replacement procedure. Performance of this proposed replaceable link is studied by conducting six nearly full scale EBF tests under quasi-static cyclic loading. The link length ratio, type of end-plated mid-splice connection, and the amount of residual drift are considered as test variables. The test results revealed that the inelastic rotation capacity of the detachable replaceable links exceeds the requirements of the AISC Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings. No failures are observed in the end-plated mid-splice connections demonstrating the potential of the proposed details. The detachable replaceable links are investigated by numerical analysis as well to further validate their applicability and to develop design recommendations.     

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.     

D型耗能器偏心支撑结构的抗震性能试验研究

偏心支撑结构是一种高烈度地震区高层建筑钢结构合理的抗侧力体系,本文针对目前偏心支撑结构存在的不足,提出一种新型的框架支撑形式——耗能器偏心支撑;并将该单斜杆(D型)耗能器偏心支撑与支撑斜杆上不加设耗能器的D型偏心支撑结构进行了对比试验。验证了该新型框架支撑形式不仅可以减少耗能梁段吸收的地震能量,而且可以减小耗能梁段的破坏程度,从而减少震后修复工作量;它具有很好的变形能力和足够的抗侧移能力。文中同时给出了设计方法,并提出了改进措施。     

耗能段腹板高厚比对Y型偏心支撑钢框架滞回性能影响的试验研究

Y型偏心支撑钢框架是偏心支撑结构中抗震耗能的结构形式之一,为了研究Y型偏心支撑钢框架中耗能梁段腹板高厚比对结构滞回性能的影响,进行了2榀1/3缩尺Y型偏心支撑钢框架的低周反复荷载试验.本文主要介绍了试验过程,分析了Y型偏心支撑钢框架在循环荷载作用下的破坏机理、滞回性能、延性、刚度退化规律以及耗能能力.试验结果表明:Y型偏心支撑钢框架延性好、耗能能力强,耗能梁段腹板高厚比的改变对Y型偏心支撑钢框架强度、刚度以及耗能能力具有较大的影响.耗能梁段腹板高厚比设计得合理,Y型偏心支撑钢框架侧向刚度较大,可以满足在小震或中震作用下的结构变形要求,在大震作用下提供良好的变形能力和耗散地震能量的功能.     

Fundamental periods of steel concentrically braced frames designed to Eurocode 8

A two‐phase research program has been undertaken to investigate fundamental natural periods of concentrically braced frames (CBFs) designed according to Eurocode 8 (EC8). In the first phase of the program, over 83,700 buildings were designed, and the accuracy of the lower bound expressions given in well‐known design specifications was evaluated. The results indicated that the lower bound expressions given in EC8 and National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) are acceptable. Although all structures had periods longer than the ones estimated by the EC8 expression, a few structures had shorter periods than the ones estimated by the NBCC expression. In general, the lower bound expressions given in EC8 and NBCC were found to provide over conservative estimates for most cases. In the second phase of the program, a simple hand method was developed to estimate the fundamental natural periods of CBFs designed to EC8. This method requires the use of inelastic top story drift ratio as a parameter to quantify stiffness characteristics. The drift ratios were extracted from the design pool developed as a part of the first phase and represented by simple mathematical relationships. Evaluation of the proposed method indicated that the method is accurate in providing estimates of the fundamental period. To safeguard against providing unconservative estimates, the method was modified to arrive at a new lower bound expression, which significantly improves the estimates compared with the ones provided by the existing expressions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dynamic buckling of braces in concentrically braced frames

Axially loaded members might experience compressive forces above their static buckling capacity because of dynamic buckling under rapid shortening. Although the subject is studied in the context of engineering mechanics, it has not been thoroughly investigated in the field of earthquake engineering. Such dynamic overshoots in the compressive capacity can also be observed for braces of concentrically braced frames (CBFs) during earthquakes. Consequently, a comprehensive investigation is conducted in this study regarding the effects of dynamic buckling of braces on the seismic behavior of steel CBFs. After providing a theoretical background, recent dynamic experiments on braces and CBFs are simulated and discussed to investigate the occurrence of dynamic overshoot during these tests. Eight archetype CBFs are then designed, modeled, and subjected to a large set of ground motions to provide a quantified insight on the frequency and anticipated level of dynamic overshoot in the compressive capacity of braces during earthquakes. Results of a total of 1600 nonlinear time history analyses revealed that dynamic overshoots occur frequently in braces and affect the behavior of CBFs notably. Considerable increases are recorded in forces transmitted to other members of CBFs as a consequence of such dynamic overshoots. Importance of incorporating these dynamic overshoots in the capacity design procedure of columns, beams, and gusset plates is highlighted. Furthermore, results of a parametric study are presented and summarized in the form of a simple formula that can be used as a guide for estimating the level of dynamic overshoot.     

Hybrid simulation of a zipper‐braced steel frame under earthquake excitation

Hybrid simulation is a testing methodology that combines laboratory and analytical simulation to evaluate seismic response of complex structural framing systems. One or more portions of the structure, which may be difficult to model numerically or have properties that have not been examined before, are tested in one or more laboratories, whereas the remainder of the structure is modeled in software using one or more computers. These separate portions are assembled such that combined dynamic response of the hybrid model to excitation is computed using a time‐stepping procedure. A hybrid simulation conducted to examine the seismic response of a type of steel concentrically braced frame, the suspended‐zipper‐braced frame, is presented. The hybrid simulation testing architecture, hybrid model, test setup, solution algorithm, and the seismic response of the suspended‐zipper‐braced frame hybrid model are discussed. Accuracy of this hybrid simulation is examined by comparing hybrid and computer‐only simulations and the errors are quantified using an energy‐based approach. This comparison indicates that the deployed hybrid simulation method can be used to accurately model the seismic response of a complex structural system such as the zipper‐braced frame. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Steel buckling‐restrained braced frames with single and dual corner gusset connections: seismic tests and analyses

The design of a three‐story buckling‐restrained braced frame (BRBF) with a single‐diagonal sandwiched BRB and corner gusset was evaluated in cyclic tests of a one‐story, one‐bay BRBF subassembly and dynamic analyses of the frame subjected to earthquakes. The test focused on evaluating (1) the seismic performance of a sandwiched BRB installed in a frame, (2) the effects of free‐edge stiffeners and dual gusset configurations on the corner gusset behavior, (3) the frame and brace action forces in the corner gusset, and (4) the failure mode of the BRBF under the maximum considerable earthquake level. The subassembly frame performed well up to a drift of 2.5% with a maximum axial strain of 1.7% in the BRB. Without free‐edge stiffeners, the single corner gusset plate buckled at a significantly lower strength than that predicted by the specificationof American Institute of Steel Construction (2005). The buckling could be eliminated by using dual corner gusset plates similar in size to the single gusset plate. At low drifts, the frame action force on the corner gusset was of the same magnitude as the brace force. At high drifts, however, the frame action force significantly increased and caused weld fractures at column‐to‐gusset edges. Nonlinear time history analyses were performed on the three‐story BRBF to obtain seismic demands under both design and maximum considerable levels of earthquake loading. The analytical results confirmed that the BRB and corner gusset plate achieved peak drift under cyclic loading test. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic performance and new design procedure for chevron‐braced frames

The paper is concerned with the seismic design of steel‐braced frames in which the braces are configured in a chevron pattern. According to EuroCode 8 (EC8), the behaviour factor q, which allows for the trade‐off between the strength and ductility, is set at 2.5 for chevron‐braced frames, while 6.5 is assigned for most ductile steel moment‐resisting frames. Strength deterioration in post‐buckling regime varies with the brace's slenderness, but EC8 adopts a unique q value irrespective of the brace slenderness. The study focuses on reevaluation of the q value adequate for the seismic design of chevron‐braced frames. The present EC8 method for the calculation of brace strength supplies significantly different elastic stiffnesses and actual strengths for different values of brace slenderness. A new method to estimate the strength of a chevron brace pair is proposed, in which the yield strength (for the brace in tension) and the post‐buckling strength (for the brace in compression) are considered. The new method ensures an identical elastic stiffness and a similar strength regardless of the brace slenderness. The advantage of the proposed method over the conventional EC8 method is demonstrated for the capacity of the proposed method to control the maximum inter‐storey drift. The q values adequate for the chevron‐braced frames are examined in reference to the maximum inter‐storey drifts sustained by most ductile moment‐resisting frames. When the proposed method is employed for strength calculation, the q value of 3.5 is found to be reasonable. It is notable that the proposed method does not require larger cross‐sections for the braces compared to the cross‐sections required for the present EC8 method. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A design procedure for suspended zipper‐braced frames in the framework of Eurocode 8

In the recent past, suspended zipper‐braced frames were proposed to avoid one‐storey collapse mechanisms and dynamic instability under severe ground motions. In this paper, the design procedure suggested by Yang et al. is first slightly modified to conform to the design approach and capacity design rules stipulated in Eurocode 8 for concentrically braced frames. The procedure is applied to a set of suspended zipper‐braced frames with different number of storeys and founded on either soft or rock soil. The structural response of these frames is analysed to highlight qualities and deficiencies and to assess the critics reported by other researchers with regard to the design procedure by Yang et al. Then, improvements are proposed to this procedure to enhance the energy dissipation of the chevron braces and the response of the structural system as well. The effectiveness of the design proposals is evaluated by incremental dynamic analysis on structures with different geometric properties, gravity loads and soil of foundation. Copyright © 2017 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.     

Development of a ten-element hybrid simulation platform and an adjustable yielding brace for performance evaluation of multi-story braced frames subjected to earthquakes

This paper presents a ten-element hybrid (experimental-numerical) simulation platform, referred to as UT10, which was developed for running hybrid simulations of braced frames with up to ten large-capacity physical brace specimens. This paper presents the details of the development of different components of UT10 and an adjustable yielding brace (AYB) specimen, which was designed to perform hybrid simulations with UT10. As the first application of UT10, a five-story buckling-restrained braced frame and a special concentrically braced frame (BRBF and SCBF) were designed and tested with AYB specimens and buckling specimens representing the braces. Cyclic tests of the AYB, one- and three-element hybrid simulations of the BRBF, and four-element hybrid simulations of the SCBF inside the UT10 confirmed the functionality of UT10 for running hybrid simulations on multiple specimens. The tests also indicated that AYB was capable of producing a stable hysteretic response with characteristics similar to BRBs. Comparison of the results of the hybrid simulations of the BRBF and SCBF with their fully numerical models showed that the modeling inaccuracies of the yielding braces could potentially affect the global response of the multi-story braced frames further emphasizing the need for experimental calibration or hybrid simulation for achieving more accurate response predictions. UT10 provides a simple and reconfigurable platform that can be used to achieve a realistic understanding of the seismic response of multi-story frames with yielding braces, distinguish their modeling limitations, and improve different modeling techniques available for their seismic response prediction.     

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.     

Dynamic and equivalent static procedures for capacity design of controlled rocking steel braced frames

Controlled rocking steel braced frames (CRSBFs) have been proposed as a low‐damage seismic force resisting system with reliable self‐centring capabilities. Vertical post‐tensioning tendons are designed to self‐centre the system after rocking, and energy dissipation may be provided to limit the peak displacements. The post‐tensioning and energy dissipation can be designed using simple methods that rely primarily on the first‐mode response. However, the frame member forces are highly influenced by the higher‐mode response, resulting in more complex methods to design the frame members. This paper examines previous proposals and also proposes two new capacity design methods for CRSBFs. The first is a dynamic procedure that requires a truncated response spectrum analysis on a model of the frame with modified boundary conditions to consider the rocking behaviour. The second is an equivalent static method that does not require any modifications to the elastic frame model, instead using theory‐based lateral force distributions to consider the higher modes of the rocking structure. Neither method requires empirical calibration. The dynamic procedure is used to design two sets of CRSBFs with three, six, nine, twelve and eighteen stories, one set using a response modification factor of R = 8 and the other using up to R = 20. Based on the results of 800 nonlinear time history analyses, both methods are generally more accurate than the previous capacity design methods and at least as simple to implement. Finally, the displacement results suggest that taller CRSBFs designed using could still limit interstorey drifts to approximately 2.5% at the maximum considered earthquake level in the cases considered. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic retrofit of low‐rise steel buildings in Canada using rocking steel braced frames

This article examines the use of rocking steel braced frames for the retrofit of existing seismically deficient steel building structures. Rocking is also used to achieve superior seismic performance to reduce repair costs and disruption time after earthquakes. The study focuses on low‐rise buildings for which re‐centring is solely provided by gravity loads rather than added post‐tensioning elements. Friction energy dissipative (ED) devices are used to control drifts. The system is applied to 2‐storey and 3‐storey structures located in 2 seismically active regions of Canada. Firm ground and soft soil conditions are considered. The seismic performance of the retrofit scheme is evaluated using nonlinear dynamic analysis and ASCE 41‐13. For all structures, rocking permits to achieve immediate occupancy performance under 2% in 50 years seismic hazard if the braces and their connections at the building's top storeys are strengthened to resist amplified forces due to higher mode response. Base shears are also increased due to higher modes. Impact at column bases upon rocking induces magnified column forces and vertical response in the gravity system. Friction ED is found more effective for drift control than systems with ring springs or bars yielding in tension. Drifts are sufficiently small to achieve position retention performance for most nonstructural components. Horizontal accelerations are generally lower than predicted from ASCE 41 for regular nonrocking structures. Vertical accelerations in the gravity framing directly connected to the rocking frame are however higher than those predicted for ordinary structures. Vertical ground motions have limited effect on frame response.     

Design method and behavior factor for steel frames with buckling restrained braces

Buckling restrained braces (BRBs) are very effective in dissipating energy through stable tension–compression hysteretic cycles and have been successfully experimented in the seismic protection of buildings. Their behavior has been studied extensively in the last decades and today the level of performance guaranteed by these devices and the technological constrains that have to be fulfilled to optimize their behavior are well known. Furthermore, several companies in the world have developed their own BRBs and are now producing them. In spite of this, many seismic codes (for instance, the EuroCode 8) do not stipulate provisions for the design and construction of earthquake‐resistant structures equipped with BRBs. This discourages the structural engineering community from using these devices and seriously limits their use in structural applications. In this paper a procedure for the seismic design of steel frames equipped with BRBs is proposed. Furthermore, the paper presents a numerical investigation aimed at validating this design procedure and proposing the value of the behavior factor q that should be used for this structural type. To this end, a set of frames with BRBs is first designed by means of several values of q. Then, the obtained frames are subjected to a set of accelerograms compatible with the elastic response spectrum considered in design. The seismic response of the frames is determined by nonlinear dynamic analysis and represented in terms of the ductility demand of BRBs and the internal force demand of nondissipative members (beams and columns). Finally, the largest value of q that leads to acceptable seismic performance of the analyzed frames is assumed as adequate. The value of q is given in the paper as a continuous function of the assumed ductility capacity of the BRBs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Validation of nonlinear time history analysis models for single‐storey concentrically braced frames using full‐scale shake table tests

The concentrically braced frame (CBF) structure is one of the most efficient steel structural systems to resist earthquakes. This system can dissipate energy during earthquakes through braces, which are expected to yield in tension and buckle in compression, while all other elements such as columns, beams and connections are expected to behave elastically. In this paper, the performance of single‐storey CBFs is assessed with nonlinear time‐history analysis, where a robust numerical model that simulates the behaviour of shake table tests is developed. The numerical model of the brace element used in the analysis was calibrated using data measured in physical tests on brace members subjected to cyclic loading. The model is then validated by comparing predictions from nonlinear time‐history analysis to measured performance of brace members in full scale shake table tests. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the performance of the CBF to different earthquake ground motions is investigated by subjecting the CBF to eight ground motions that have been scaled to have similar displacement response spectra. The comparative assessments presented in this work indicate that these developed numerical models can accurately capture the salient features related to the seismic behaviour of CBFs. A good agreement is found between the performance of the numerical and physical models in terms of maximum displacement, base shear force, energy dissipated and the equivalent viscous damping. The energy dissipated and, more particular, the equivalent viscous damping, are important parameters required when developing an accurate displacement‐based design methodology for CBFs subjected to earthquake loading. In this study, a relatively good prediction of the equivalent viscous damping is obtained from the numerical model when compared with data measured during the shake table tests. However, it was found that already established equations to determine the equivalent viscous damping of CBFs may give closer values to those obtained from the physical tests. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Peak displacement patterns for the performance-based seismic design of steel eccentrically braced frames

Performance-based seismic design(PBSD) aims to assess structures at different damage states. Since damage can be directly associated to displacements, seismic design with consideration of displacement seems to be logical. In this study, simple formulae to estimate the peak floor displacement patterns of eccentrically braced frames(EBFs) at different performance levels subjected to earthquake ground motions are proposed. These formulae are applicable in a PBSD and especially in direct displacement-based design(DDBD). Parametric study is conducted on a group of 30 EBFs under a set of 15 far field and near field accelerograms which they scaled to different amplitudes to adapt various performance levels. The results of thousands of nonlinear dynamic analyses of EBFs have been post-processed by nonlinear regression analysis in order to recognize the major parameters that influence the peak displacement pattern of these frames. Results show that suggested displacement patterns have relatively good agreement with those acquired by an exact nonlinear dynamic analysis.