Effect of Link Beam Length of the Eccentric Bracing System on Seismic Rehabilitation of Weak Reinforced Concrete Frames

Abstract

In this study, A reinforced concrete (<i>RC</i>) reference specimen with compressive strength of <i>250 kg/cm</i><sup>2</sup> and the weak <i>RC</i> specimen for seismic rehabilitation with compressive strength of <i>150 kg/cm2</i> were examined in two types of structures with <i>6</i> and <i>12</i>-stories. The link beam lengths of <i>50</i>, <i>80</i>, and <i>100 cm</i> have been used in <i>6</i> and <i>12</i>-stories prototypes under the effect of <i>7</i> earthquake records. The nonlinear dynamic analyses are performed. Then, The behavior of the link beam depends on its length. For short link beam lengths, shear behavior is serious, then for medium lengths, shear-flexural behavior is important, and finally, long lengths will have flexural behavior for the beam. In eccentrically braced frames, the details of the link beam and the fit of the other members must be done in such a way as to ensure its proper ductility. According to the obtained results, the performance of short link beams is much better than long link beams, and short link beams provide more energy dissipation and, at the same time, more ductility. Therefore, in the design of the link beam, mainly the shear of the link beam is considered as a ductile component. The axial force in the link beam, which is due to the application of lateral load to the structure, reduces both the bending capacity and the inelastic deformation capacity of the link beam, so it can be explained that in steel eccentric braces, the link beam is symmetrical between the two main components of the brace and it can affect the strength of the structure against lateral loads.