Optimal Panel Zone Participation in Steel Moment Frames

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2014-01-03

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Abstract

This work investigates the role of panel zones in the seismic response of buildings using steel moment frames. To address this debated matter requires well-developed finite element models that can accurately simulate the behavior of frame systems under a variety of ground motions. A procedure to form an optimally designed frame subassemblage is proposed to maximize its inelastic deformation energy capacity. The proposed procedure is then applied to an available steel moment frame for evaluating its overall seismic performance.

A new frame finite element is developed to have a feature that is not present in available structural analysis softwares. The feature is to capture the local buckling of thin-wall structural members by using line elements. The performance of the developed theory for the new element is verified with a highly refined finite element model using shell elements. A robust analytical solution is also developed for simulating the behavior of beam-to-column connections in steel lateral force-resisting frames. The results obtained from the developed theory for the connections remarkably match available experimental results.

This study proposed a procedure to maximize the inelastic deformation energy of steel moment frame subassemblages. It was found that the high ratio of the column strength to the panel zone strength has considerably positive effects on maximizing the inelastic deformation capacity. The proposed procedure can be applied to a whole frame system to increase the overall seismic performance of that frame. As a result, the safety or reliability of a steel moment frame under earthquakes can be improved while maintaining the fabrication of the structure at an effective cost.

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