Abstract
During the recent years, the new knee-braced frame (KBF) system has been interested to achieve a proper seismic behavior. Briefly introducing KBF, the present study evaluates the geometric parameters and behavior factor of multi-story knee-braced steel frames. The studied models include three-, five- and eight-story steel CBFs, EBFs and KBFs. Using linear static analyses, the present study evaluates lateral stiffness of knee-braced frames and plots their co-stiffness curves. Using co-stiffness curves, then, the best range is determined for geometric parameters of KBFs to achieve the proper stiffness. In addition, ductility-related seismic force reduction factor (Rμ), incremental resistance coefficient (RS), and behavior factor (R) are calculated for the frames using incremental nonlinear static analyses, and compared with the corresponding concentric and eccentric frames.
Highlights
The modern designs of earthquake resistant buildings have to consider a series of factors including resistance, stiffness, and ductility
The present paper studies multi-story knee-braced frames to determine their best range of geometric parameters in order to achieve a proper stiffness
It is noteworthy that the present study considers the above ratios constant in different stories to evaluate the lateral stiffness of knee-braced frame (KBF)
Summary
The modern designs of earthquake resistant buildings have to consider a series of factors including resistance, stiffness, and ductility. A new bracing system called knee-braced frame (KBF) has been developed to achieve a better seismic behavior and eliminate the defects of the other bracing systems. This system involves a diagonally-braced frame, in which at least one end of diagonal brace is connected to the knee member, which is diagonally placed between beams and columns. Diagonal bracing provides system stiffness, while ductility is influenced by severe lateral loads through yielding of knee member. The present paper studies multi-story knee-braced frames to determine their best range of geometric parameters in order to achieve a proper stiffness. Using the principles of behavior factor, explained as follows, the value of behavior factor are calculated for the studied frames
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