A Study on the Damageability Issue in the Design of Steel Moment Resisting Frames

Abstract

This paper is initially associated with critical comparisons of Steel Moment Resisting Frames using European and American code methodologies, wherein capacity design philosophyis recommended for the design of steel frames and in which steel is used smartly and efficiently, thereby ensuring the assumed ductility of the system. Interested philosophical concepts have been laid down which are based on the observed issues during the design phase of moment resisting frames. After the application of capacity rules, the primary concern for most of the designers is the lateral stiffness of the frames. Therefore the vital influential parameters of these codes are the response modification factors/behaviour factors, overstrength factors and drift limitations. This research is aimed to disseminate the awareness about the discrepancy between damageability and ductility and thus to mitigate the complexities that exist as hidden inconsistencies during the design phase of MRFs. The here presented philosophical con- cepts and ideas could be handy and interesting for the Technicians involved in the design of Steel MRFs. Few suggested values are presented at the end of the paper in diminishing challenges while making deciding for ductility class and drift limit.