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This paper is concerned with an incremental iterative force recovery method in the second-order plastic hinge analysis of steel frames mainly modelled by a single element per member. Second-order beam-column elements are preferred in the direct analysis of steel frames due to their high accuracy and efficiency. However, formulations of these elements are complicated, and therefore they may have a problem of getting element force recovery in inelastic analysis. To overcome this difficulty, a novel incremental iterative force recovery method for second-order beam-column elements is proposed to perform plastic hinge analysis. The proposed method is derived more strictly and has good performance. Also, the section assemblage approach and the refined plastic hinge method are adopted in this study to consider the gradual degradation of section stiffness in the plastic hinge analysis. To verify the accuracy, efficiency and robustness of the proposed method, several benchmark examples are analyzed by the proposed method and compared with solutions reported by early researchers.

The present study deals with the seismic performance of partial perimeter and spatial moment resisting frames (MRFs) for low-to-medium rise buildings. It seeks to establish perimeter configuration systems and hence the lack of redundancy can detrimentally affect the seismic response of framed buildings. The paper tackles this key issue by comparing the performance of a set of perimeter and spatial MRFs, which were "consistently designed". The starting point is the set of low- (three-storey) and medium-rise (nine-storey) perimeter frames designed within the SAC Steel Project for the Los Angeles, Seattle and Boston seismic zones. Extensive design analyses (static and multi-modal) of the perimeter frame buildings and consistent design of spatial frame systems, as an alternative to the perimeter configuration, were conducted within this analytical study. The objectives of the consistent design are two-fold, i.e. obtaining fundamental periods similar to those of the perimeter frames, i.e. same lateral stiffness under design horizontal loads, and supplying similar yield strength. The seismic behaviour of perimeter and spatial configuration structures was evaluated by means of push-over non-linear static analyses and inelastic dynamic analyses (non linear time histories). Comparisons between analysis results were developed in a well defined framework since a clear scheme to define and evaluate relevant limit states is suggested. The failure modes, either local or global, were computed and correlated to design choices, particularly those concerning the strength requirements (column overstrength factors) and stiffness (elastic stability indexes). The inelastic response exhibited by the sample MRFs under severe ground motions was assessed in a detailed fashion. Conclusions are drawn in terms of local and global performance, namely global and inter-storey drifts, beam and column plastic rotations, hysteretic energy. The finding is that the seismic response of perimeter and spatial MRFs is fairly similar. Therefore, an equivalent behaviour between the two configurations can be obtained if the design is "consistent".

The Uncoupled Modal Response History Analysis (UMRHA) method developed by Chopra et al. is modified in this paper to estimate damage to welded moment-resisting connections in a steel frame (MRSF) subjected to earthquake ground motions. The behaviour of these connections is modelled by a moment-rotation relationship that accounts for the cracking of the beam flange-to-column flange groove weld. The behaviour of the frame is approximated by a sequence of single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) models for the first three modes to allow for the contribution of higher modes of vibration. The dynamic properties of these SDOF systems are determined by nonlinear static pushover analyses of the building frame. Because of the significant drop in connection strength caused by beam-to-column weld cracking, the pushover procedure uses a changing rather than invariant distribution of horizontal loads, while the structural responses are calculated from shapes that are based on the displaced shape of the frame after damage occurs. The accuracy of the method is demonstrated by a comparison with the results of a nonlinear time history analysis of the frame. This method can be used for rapid assessment of seismic damage or damage potential and to identify buildings requiring more detailed investigation.

In this paper, the seismic performance of a three- and a six-storey steel frame equipped with different bracing configurations is assessed. The bracing systems consist of traditional buckling-restrained steel braces and superelastic Nitinol shape-memory alloy (SMA) braces. Background on the behaviour of SMAs is provided and a state-of-the-art review of the applications of such new materials in earthquake engineering is presented. A uniaxial constitutive model for superelastic SMAs is then implemented into the finite element platform OpenSees and nonlinear dynamic analyses are performed. Finally, the seismic performance of the structures under investigation is judged through the evaluation of several response quantities, to determine the efficacy of the new bracing system in reducing earthquake-induced vibrations.

In the seismic design of steel frames, beam-to-column joints can be designed either as full strength joints, forcing the location of the plastic hinges at the beam ends, or as partial strength joints which have to dissipate the seismic input energy. Seismic codes provide specific design criteria for full strength joints, but there are no detailed recommendations dealing with partial strength connections. Therefore, in this paper, by means of a simplified model, such as a SDOF system, the requirements which partial strength joints have to possess, for designing steel frames characterised by seismic performances equivalent to those of steel frames with rigid full strength joints, are pointed out. Successively, starting from the above requirements, a new method for designing seismic resistant steel frames with extended end plate connections leading to the complete definition of the geometrical and mechanical parameters of the joints is proposed.

An efficient use of beam-to-column connections improves the seismic performance of semi-continuous braced steel frames, if joints may undergo large plastic deformations without forming brittle collapse mechanisms. Remarkable benefits are associated with this design philosophy. Therefore, accurate and suitable methods for the prediction of the nodal response under cyclic reversal loading must be defined for use in design.

This paper proposes two different approaches for estimating the behaviour of top-and-seat cleated connections under cyclic reversal loading. The first is based on the monotonic moment-rotation curve, while in the second method, the connection response is built up by considering the cyclic behaviour of the relevant components. For each of these approaches two models are presented and validated on the basis of experimental studies on top-and-seat cleated connections tested by the author and by other researchers.

The present paper investigates the seismic energy demand in steel moment-resisting frames. The frames, with 3, 6 and 10 storeys, and 4 and 8 spans, are designed according to current seismic code provisions. The energy response (energy quantities and their distributions) in the frames subjected to an ensemble of six earthquake ground motions recorded on different soil conditions, is investigated by nonlinear time history analysis. The study concludes that (1) the results of energy response can be developed into a rational method of seismic evaluation and design for steel moment-resisting frames; (2) the energy concept based on the single-degree-of-freedom has limitations when extended to the realistic structural system for design purposes; and (3) it is necessary to develop the energy-based approach for seismic evaluation and design based on the seismic response of a realistic multi-degree-of-freedom structural system.

Historic buildings and monuments are an important part of our cultural heritage that must be protected and their sustainability ensured, especially when earthquakes occur. In this paper, a technique that uses structural steel frames is proposed as one way of strengthening unreinforced masonry (URM) in historical buildings. The idea underpinning this technique is to reduce the earthquake displacement demand on non-ductile URM walls by attaching steel frames to the building floors from inside. These frames run parallel to the structural system of the building and are fixed at their base to the existing foundation of the building. Furthermore, they are constructed rapidly, do not occupy architectural space, save the building’s historic fabric, and can be easily replaced after an earthquake if some minor damage ensues. The proposed technique was applied to a five-story historical masonry building in Istanbul. The results of seismic performance analysis indicate that even though the building has plan irregularities, the proposed steel frames are able to effectively enhance the building’s seismic performance by reducing inter-story drifts and increasing lateral stiffness and strength.

This paper investigates numerically the seismic behavior of multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems with novel 2–4 direction and displacement-dependent (2–4DDD) and 2–4 Displacement-Velocity- (2–4DVD) Semi-Active (SA) controls. This study builds upon the novel SA 2–4DDD control system, in which the damper forces are controlled by inter-story drifts. For the first time, this paper investigates numerically the behavior of an MDOF system with 2–4DDD controls. A 3-story steel frame is modeled in OpenSees and then subjected to real earthquake records. The frame is modeled considering three control systems: (i) conventional passive nonlinear viscous dampers (NVDs), (ii) SA 2–4DDD dampers, and (iii) a new 2–4DVD SA damper. Parametric studies are conducted to determine the optimal parameters of 2–4DVD control in the designed frames. New design methodologies for MDOF systems with 2–4DVD and 2–4DDD controls are also proposed. The results are discussed in terms of inter-story drift, base shear force, acceleration, dissipated energy and required damper force. Results from Nonlinear Time History Analyses show that, compared to a frame with traditional NVDs, the inter-story drifts and base shear of the frame with 2–4DVD control are up to 72% and 32% lower, respectively. 2–4DVD control also reduces damping forces and acceleration by up to 60% and 87%, respectively, compared to 2–4DDD control. It is also shown that the 2–4DDD control was not stable in high-frequency earthquake records. Conversely, the new 2–4DVD control leads to smoother damping force changes between quadrants for the case study investigated in this paper. This study contributes toward the development of new seismic retrofitting dampers for nonlinear MDOF systems.

This paper presents a practical nonlinear analysis for the automatic design of steel space frames. The geometric nonlinearity is considered using stability functions. A direct search method is used as an automatic design technique. The unit value of each member is evaluated by using the LRFD interaction equation. The member with the largest unit value is replaced one by one with an adjacent larger member selected in the database. The weight of the steel frame is taken as an objective function. Load-carrying capacities, deflections, interstory drifts, and ductility requirement are used as constraint functions. Case studies of the planar portal frame and the space two-story frame are carried out.