Determining the optimal topology for intermediate steel moment resisting frames with eccentric braces in a hybrid system

Abstract

Steel structures with intermediate ductility level are one of the systems widely employed all over the world. Given the significance of construction costs and its association with the selected structural system, number of the floors, length of spans, location of columns, and the soil type, this paper investigates the optimum values of these parameters. The present article aims at discovering the optimal topology with respect to architectural and applicability considerations. To this end, models of steel moment resisting frames with eccentric bracing with 5, 10, and 14 floors were selected. The selected models were assumed with equal area and two different soil types are considered. In order to provide parking space based on the urban development regulations, models were considered with span length of 5.6, 7.5, and 11.2 metres for two, three, and four car parks, respectively. Having analysed the models and designed the structural members and foundations, amount and cost of the building material were estimated based on the available rates and the results were compared using figures.