Numerical comparison of truss-shaped lateral load-resisting systems with conventional steel shear walls

Abstract

Steel plate shear wall (SPSW) is considered to be one of the most efficient lateral load-resisting systems. However, this system has some drawbacks, including the difficulty of construction, installation challenges, and potential serviceability issues. Although many studies have been conducted to enhance the seismic performance of SPSWs, these systems have not gained widespread popularity due to their cost and time-consuming installation process. In this study, an innovative structural system called truss-shaped lateral load resisting system (TS-LLRS) is developed and proposed as an alternative to SPSWs to address these challenges and provide architectural advantages. The TS-LLRS is composed of steel elements arranged in the configuration of a 2D truss, connected to the boundary elements within a frame rather than a thin plate. First, a numerical study is performed using five finite element models. The generated models with different arrangements were analyzed and compared with SPSWs regarding structural characteristics such as stiffness, energy dissipation, ultimate strength, and stress distribution. Next, a parametric study was conducted using 64 TS-LLRS finite element models with different arrangements. Two key parameters controlling the behavior of TS-LLRSs were the angle and slenderness ratio of the truss elements. The optimum angle of the truss elements was found to be approximately 45 degrees. Finally, a case study was conducted using a 9-story building. The results demonstrated that TS-LLRS exhibited desirable behavior, which was relatively similar to SPSWs, indicating its potential as an alternative to steel plate shear walls. Additionally, a tentative value of 6.5 has been proposed for the response modification factor of TS-LLRS.