Seismic Assessment of Existing Eccentrically Braced Frames According to NBCC and ASCE 41-13 Evaluation Procedures

Abstract

The seismic performance of an existing 8-storey EBF with shear-critical links located in Victoria, BC, is assessed. The frame is designed according to 1995 NBCC and the CSA S16-94 steel design standard. Seismic assessment is first performed in accordance with recommendations of the User’s Guide to NBCC 2015 using equivalent static force procedure, response spectrum analysis and linear time history analysis. A Tier 3 systematic evaluation according to ASCE 41-13 is then carried out using a linear static and dynamic procedure. Even though the original frame design was based on capacity design principles, both procedure revealed an inadequate strength of the frame members and the need for strengthening. Although the ASCE 41 procedure resulted in a less severe assessment, failures were predicted for most of the columns and for some outer beams. Considering bending as deformation-controlled action alleviated outer beam response.