Seismic demand evaluation of steel MRF buildings with simple and detailed connection models

Abstract

A detailed connection model can take into account effects such as strength and stiffness degradation, pinching and brittle behavior while a simple one cannot. This study investigates the effects of using the detailed and simple connection models on the seismic behavior of steel moment resisting frame (MRF) buildings. The frame models designed by 1994 UBC and 2000 IBC provisions involved the use of clear length dimensions of elements, panel zone models, and connection models subjected to suites of 20 accelerograms with 50/50, 10/50 and 2/50 hazard levels. The interstory drifts, column axial forces, and probability of building failure were investigated. The results show that the discrepancy of the building behaviors between using the detailed and simple connections became larger when the more severe seismic hazard levels and higher percentile values were considered. Therefore, the detailed connection models would be recommended to evaluate and predict seismic performance of steel MRF buildings.