• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제21권3호
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• pp.501-515
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• 2016

Seismic analysis for steel frame structure with brace configuration using topology optimization based on truss-like material model is studied. The initial design domain for topology optimization is determined according to original steel frame structure and filled with truss-like members. Hence the initial truss-like continuum is established. The densities and orientation of truss-like members at any point are taken as design variables in finite element analysis. The topology optimization problem of least-weight truss-like continuum with stress constraints is solved. The orientations and densities of members in truss-like continuum are optimized and updated by fully-stressed criterion in every iteration. The optimized truss-like continuum is founded after finite element analysis is finished. The optimal bracing system is established based on optimized truss-like continuum without numerical instability. Seismic performance for steel frame structures is derived using dynamic time-history analysis. A numerical example shows the advantage for frame structures with brace configuration using topology optimization in seismic performance.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제23권2호
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• pp.173-186
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• 2017

Conceptual configuration and seismic performance of high-rise steel frame-brace structure are studied. First, the topology optimization problem of minimum volume based on truss-like material model under earthquake action is presented, which is solved by full-stress method. Further, conceptual configurations of 20-storey and 40-storey steel frame-brace structure are formed. Next, the 40-storeystructure model is developed in Opensees. Two common configurations are utilized for comparison. Last, seismic performance of 40-storey structure is derived using nonlinear static analysis and nonlinear dynamic analysis. Results indicate that structural lateral stiffness and maximum roof displacement can be improved using brace. Meanwhile seismic damage can also be decreased. Moreover, frame-brace structure using topology optimization is most favorable to enhance lateral stiffness and mitigate seismic damage. Thus, topology optimization is an available way to form initial conceptual configuration in high-rise steel frame-brace structure.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• 제7권4호
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• pp.553-570
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• 2014

In this study, nonlinear dynamic analyses were performed in order to evaluate and compare the structural response of different type of moment resisting frame buildings equipped with conventional braces (CBs) and buckling restrained braces (BRBs) subjected to near-field ground motions. For this, the case study frames, namely, ordinary moment-resisting frame (OMRF) and special moment-resisting frame (SMRF) having two equal bays of 6 m and a total height of 20 m were utilized. Then, CBs and BRBs were inserted in the bays of the existing frames. As a brace pattern, diagonal type with different configurations were used for the braced frame structures. For the earthquake excitation, artificial pulses equivalent to Northridge and Kobe earthquake records were taken into account. The results in terms of the inter-story drift index, global damage index, base shear, top shear, damage index, and plastification were discussed. The analysis of the results indicated a considerable improvement in the structural performance of the existing frames with the inclusion of conventional and especially buckling-restrained braces.

• 한국공간구조학회논문집
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.73-80
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• 2024

Non-uniform reinforced concrete brace facade systems are newly considered to improve seismic performance of reinforced concrete frame buildings under lateral load. For normal and high strength concrete of 30MPa, 80MPa, and 120MPa, the cross-sections of reinforced concrete brace facade systems were designed as different size with same amount of reinforcements. The strengthened frame systems were analyzed by a non-linear two-dimensional finite element technique which was considering material non-linearities of concrete and reinforcing bars under monotonic and cyclic loadings. From the study of non-linear analysis of the systems, therefore, it was provided that the proposed braced facade systems were reliable to improve laterally load-carrying capacity and minimize damages of concrete members through comparisons of load-displacement curves, crack patterns, and stress distributions of reinforcing bars predicted by current non-linear finite element analysis of frame specimens.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• 제12권4호
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• pp.449-455
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• 2017

Using X-braced frames in steel structures is a current procedure to achieve good strength against lateral loads. Study on mid-connections of X-braces and their effects on frame behavior is a subject whose importance has been more or less disregarded by researchers. Experimentally inspecting models involves considerable expense and time; however, computer models can be more suitable substitutes. In this research, a numerical model of X-braced frame has been analyzed using finite element software. The results of pushover analysis of this frame are compared with those of the experimental test. With the help of computer model, the effects of different mid-connection details on ductility and lateral strength of the frame are inspected. Also performances of bolted and welded connections are compared. Taking into account ductility and strength, this study suggests details of a decent pattern for the mid-connection.

• Interaction and multiscale mechanics
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• 제1권1호
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• pp.103-121
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• 2008

This paper presents an optimization-based method for computing a minimal bounding ellipsoid that contains the set of static responses of an uncertain braced frame. Based on a non-stochastic modeling of uncertainty, we assume that the parameters both of brace stiffnesses and external forces are uncertain but bounded. A brace member represents the sum of the stiffness of the actual brace and the contributions of some non-structural elements, and hence we assume that the axial stiffness of each brace is uncertain. By using the $\mathcal{S}$-lemma, we formulate a semidefinite programming (SDP) problem which provides an outer approximation of the minimal bounding ellipsoid. The minimum bounding ellipsoids are computed for a braced frame under several uncertain circumstances.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제30권3호
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• pp.201-215
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• 2019

In this research, the behavior of tube-in-tube BRBs (TiTBRBs) has been investigated. In a typical TiTBRB, the yielding core tube is located inside the outer restraining one to dissipate energy through extensive plastic deformation, while the outer restraining tube remains essentially elastic. With the aid of FE analyses, the monotonic and cyclic behavior of the proposed TiTBRBs have been studied as individual brace elements. Subsequently, a detailed finite element model of a representative single span-single story frame equipped with such a TiTBRB has been constructed and both monotonic and cyclic behavior of the proposed TiTBRBs have been explored under the application of the AISC loading protocol at the braced frame level. With the aid of backbone curves derived from the FE analyses, a simplified frame model has been developed and verified through comparison with the results of the detailed FE model. It has been shown that, the simplified model is capable of predicting closely the cyclic behavior of the TiTBRB frame and hence can be used for design purposes. Considering type of connection detail used in a frame, the TiTBRB member which behave satisfactorily at the brace element level under cyclic loading conditions, may suffer global buckling due to the flexural demand exerted from the frame to the brace member at its ends. The proposed TiTBRB suit tubular members of offshore structures and the application of such TiTBRB in a typical offshore platform has been introduced and studied in a single frame level using detailed FE model.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• 제19권4호
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• pp.303-313
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• 2020

Spacious experimental and numerical investigation has been conducted by researchers to increase the ductility and energy dissipation of concentrically braced frames. One of the most widely used strategies for increasing ductility and energy dissiption, is the use of energy-absorbing systems. In this regard, the cyclic behavior of a chevron bracing frame system equipped with multi-pipe dampers (CBF-MPD) was investigated through finite element method. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and improve the behavior of the CBF using MPDs. Three-dimensional models of the chevron brace frame were developed via nonlinear finite element method using ABAQUS software. Finite element models included the chevron brace frame and the chevron brace frame equipped with multi-pipe dampers. The chevron brace frame model was selected as the base model for comparing and evaluating the effects of multi-tube dampers. Finite element models were then analyzed under cyclic loading and nonlinear static methods. Validation of the results of the finite element method was performed against the test results. In parametric studies, the influence of the diameter parameter to the thickness (D/t) ratio of the pipe dampers was investigated. The results indicated that the shear capacity of the pipe damper has a significant influence on determining the bracing behavior. Also, the results show that the corresponding displacement with the maximum force in the CBF-MPD compared to the CBF, increased by an average of 2.72 equal. Also, the proper choice for the dimensions of the pipe dampers increased the ductility and energy absorption of the chevron brace frame.

• 한국공간구조학회논문집
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• 제20권3호
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• pp.43-52
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• 2020

In this study, the Buckling restrained braces reinforced with engineering plastics that can compensate for the disadvantages in the manufacturing process of the existing buckling restrained brace. The proposed PC-BRB was fabricated to evaluate the reinforcement effect by carrying out a structural performance test and a full-scale two-layer frame test through cyclic loading test. As a result of PC-BRB's incremental and cyclic loading test, stable hysteresis behavior was achieved within the target displacement, and the compressive strength adjustment coefficient satisfied the recommendation. As a result of the real frame experiment, the strength of the reinforced specimen increased compared to the unreinforced specimen, and the ductility and energy dissipation increased.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제13권1호
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• pp.1-13
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• 2012

In this study, a new structural bracing system named 'Hat Knee Bracing' (HKB) is presented. In this structural system, a special form of diagonal braces, which is connected to the knee elements instead of beam-column joints, is investigated. The diagonal elements provide lateral stiffness during moderate earthquakes. However the knee elements, which is a fuse-like component, is designed to have one plastic joint in the knee elements for dissipation of the energy caused by strong earthquake. First, a suitable shape for brace and knee elements is proposed through elastic studying of the system and several practical parameters are established. Afterward, by developing applicable and highly accurate models in Drain-2DX, the inelastic behavior of the system is carefully considered. In addition, with inelastic study of the new bracing system and comparison with the prevalent Knee Bracing Frame system (KBF model) in nonlinear static and dynamic analysis, the seismic behavior of the new bracing system is reasonably evaluated.