• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.1121-1144
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• 2016

This paper presents a displacement-based finite element procedure for second-order distributed plasticity analysis of planar steel frames with semi-rigid beam-to-column connections under static loadings. A partially strain-hardening elastic-plastic beam-column element, which directly takes into account geometric nonlinearity, gradual yielding of material, and flexibility of semi-rigid connections, is proposed. The second-order effects and distributed plasticity are considered by dividing the member into several sub-elements and meshing the cross-section into several fibers. A new nonlinear solution procedure based on the combination of the Newton-Raphson equilibrium iterative algorithm and the constant work method for adjusting the incremental load factor is proposed for solving nonlinear equilibrium equations. The nonlinear inelastic behavior predicted by the proposed program compares well with previous studies. Coupling effects of three primary sources of nonlinearity, geometric imperfections, and residual stress are investigated and discussed in this paper.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.369-382
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• 2017

This study investigates the reliability of the performance levels of moment resisting steel frames subjected to lateral loads such as wind and earthquake. The reliability assessment has been performed with respect to three performance levels: serviceability, damageability, and ultimate limit states. A four-story moment resisting frame is used as a typical example. In the reliability assessment the uncertainties in the loadings and in the capacity of the frame have been considered. The wind and earthquake loads are assumed to have lognormal distribution, and the frame resistance is assumed to have a normal distribution. In order to obtain an appropriate limit state function a linear relation between the loading and the deflection is formed. For the reliability analysis an algorithm has been developed for determination of limit state functions and iterations of the first order reliability method (FORM) procedure. By the method presented herein the multivariable analysis of a complicated reliability problem is reduced to an S-R problem. The procedure for iterations has been tested by a known problem for the purpose of avoiding convergence problems. The reliability indices for many cases have been obtained and also the effects of the coefficient of variation of load and resistance have been investigated.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.6 no.6
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• pp.479-491
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• 2006

Structures in seismic regions are designed to dissipate seismic energy input through inelastic deformations. Structural or component failure occurs when the hysteretic energy demand for a structure or component subject to an earthquake ground motion (EQGM) exceeds its hysteretic energy dissipation capacity. This paper presents a study on identifying the hysteretic energy demand and distribution throughout the height of regular steel moment resisting frames (SMRFs) subject to severe EQGMs. For this purpose, non-linear dynamic time history (NDTH) analyses were carried out on regular low-, medium-, and high-rise steel SMRFs. An ensemble of ninety EQGMs recorded on different soil types was used in the study. The results show that the hysteretic energy demand decreases from the bottom stories to the upper stories and for high-rise structures, most of the hysteretic energy is dissipated by the bottom stories. The decrease is quite significant, especially, for medium- and high-rise structures.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.1-21
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• 2014

Knee Braced Frame (KBF) is a special form of ductile eccentrically braced frame having a diagonal brace connected to a knee element, as a hysteretic damper, instead of beam-column joint. This paper first presents an experimental investigation on cyclic performance of two knee braced single span one-story frame specimens. The general test arrangement, specimen details, and most relevant results (failure modes and hysteretic curves) are explained. Some indexes to assess the seismic performance of KBFs, including ductility; response reduction factor and energy dissipation capabilities are also subsequently discussed. Experimental results indicate that the maximum equivalent damping ratios achieved by test frames are 21.8 and 23% for the specimens, prior to failure. Finally, a simplified analytical model is derived to predict the bilinear behavior of the KBFs. Acceptable conformity between analytical and experimental results proves the accuracy of the proposed model.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.85-98
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• 2008

In this study the progressive collapse potential of three- and nine-story special steel moment frames designed in accordance with current design code was evaluated by nonlinear static and dynamic analyses. It was observed that the model structures had high potential for progressive collapse when a first story column was suddenly removed. Then the size of beams required to satisfy the failure criteria for progressive collapse was obtained by the virtual work method; i.e., using the equilibrium of the external work done by gravity load due to loss of a column and the internal work done by plastic rotation of beams. According to the nonlinear dynamic analysis results, the model structures designed only for normal load turned out to have strong potential for progressive collapse whereas the structures designed by plastic design concept for progressive collapse satisfied the failure criterion recommended by the GSA guideline.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Building Construction Conference
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• 2014.11a
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• pp.96-97
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• 2014

Green Frame is a column-beam structure built by steel frame joints embedded in the columns and beams. Here, the steel frame embedded in the columns and beams is not a standardized product, instead it needs to be order-produced. The quantity for each steel frame size should be calculated to estimate the quantity of steel frames to be manufactured. However, it is highly time-consuming and requires a lot of effort in calculating the quantity of steel frames, for there are a wide range of steel frame types that are embedded in the columns and beams. To solve this problem, the study proposes an algorithm for calculation of the amount of steel frames with ease and promptness. When a program is developed using the algorithm proposed in the study in connection to the information on precast concrete members prepared in the design phase, it is anticipated that the manpower required as well as the manufacturing time will be decreased.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.4 no.6
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• pp.453-469
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• 2004

In this article, a genetic algorithm based optimum design method is presented for non-linear steel frames with semi-rigid connections. The design algorithm obtains the minimum weight frame by selecting suitable sections from a standard set of steel sections such as European wide flange beams (i.e., HE sections). A genetic algorithm is employed as optimization method which utilizes reproduction, crossover and mutation operators. Displacement and stress constraints of Turkish Building Code for Steel Structures (TS 648, 1980) are imposed on the frame. The algorithm requires a large number of non-linear analyses of frames. The analyses cover both the non-linear behaviour of beam-to-column connection and $P-{\Delta}$ effects of beam-column members. The Frye and Morris polynomial model is used for modelling of semi-rigid connections. Two design examples with various type of connections are presented to demonstrate the application of the algorithm. The semi-rigid connection modelling results in more economical solutions than rigid connection modelling, but it increases frame drift.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.777-790
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• 2014

The purpose of this study is to investigate the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) frames strengthened by profiled steel sheet bracing which takes the influence of infill walls into consideration. One-bay, two-story, 1/3 scale two specimens shared same feature of dimensions, one specimen consists only beams and columns; the other one is reinforced by profiled steel sheet bracing with infill walls. Hysteretic curves, envelope curves, stiffness degradation curves and energy dissipation capacities are presented based on test data. Test results indicate that the ultimate load of strengthened specimen has been improved by 225%. The stiffness of reinforced by profiled steel sheet bracing has been increased by 108%. This demonstrates that infill walls and profiled steel sheet bracing enhanced the strength and stiffness distinctly. Energy dissipation has an obvious increase after 12 cycles. This shows that the reinforced specimen is able to bear the lateral load effectively and absorb lots of seismic energy.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.123-138
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• 2018

Eccentrically braced frames (EBF) represent an optimal structural solution for seismic prone areas, being able to provide high dissipative capacity and good elastic stiffness, to withstand strong seismic events without significant loss of bearing capacity and to avoid damage to non-structural elements in case of low and moderate earthquakes. The accurate knowledge of the cyclic behaviour of the dissipative links, characterizing the whole performance of EBFs, is required to optimize the structural properties and to refine the design techniques adopted for multi-storey buildings' analysis. Reliable numerical models for the links, at the same time requiring a limited computational effort, are then needed. The present work shows the results of a wide experimental test campaign executed on real-scale one storey/one bay frames with horizontal and vertical links, together with the elaboration of a simple semi-analytical model for the quick representation of the cyclic behaviour of shear links.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.5 no.5
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• pp.345-358
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• 2005

The response of single story buildings and other case studies are investigated to observe trends in response and to develop a better understanding of the impact of some design parameters on the seismic response of CBF. While it is recognized that many parameters have an influence on the behavior of braced frames, the focus of this study is mostly on quantifying energy dissipation in compression and its effectiveness on seismic performance. Based on dynamic analyses of single story braced frame and case studies, it is found that a bracing member designed with bigger R and larger KL/r results in lower normalized cumulative energy, i.e., cumulative compressive energy normalized by the corresponding tensile energy (${\sum}E_C/E_T$), in both cases.