A numerical investigation of the inelastic cyclic behaviour of short and long links designed according to RPA 99 provisions

Abstract

Despite the fact that EBFs have been worldwide accepted and used as a seismic resisting system, they are not yet covered by the Algerian National Seismic Code (RPA 99). The cyclic inelastic responses of more than 20 specimens of isolated links under cyclic load protocol of AISC are simulated and analysed using elastic–plastic model implanted in ABAQUS 14. These isolated links are made from IPE360 and 450, of isotropic steel grade S235. The impact of the shape section of the link is also analysed using HEB profiles with approximately similar geometrical properties as for IPE sections. The effect of the stiffener’s kind, number, orientation, spacing and combinations on the overall inelastic cyclic behaviour is also analysed. The numerical results show the determinant role of parameters considered in this study in addition to the contribution of stiffeners, while being elastic, in delaying the premature local buckling, particularly for shear links. Also, the primary obtained results show the importance of the shape section. Based on the good performance of the models studied herein which were designed to RPA99 provisions, the authors think that the time has come for RPA, in its future version, to include the EBF structures as seismic lateral resisting system and to adopt provisions of design of links from international seismic codes: EC8, AISC as they are very close to each other.