Seismic Performance Evaluation of SSMF with Simple Beam–Column Connections Under the Base Level

Abstract

Simple beam–column connections are simpler and cheaper in construction than rigid beam–column connections, moreover, beams under the base level are only carrying gravity loads because of high rigidity of basement walls; therefore, seismic performance of special steel moment frame with basement wall is investigated in two cases in this paper. First, as the normal case of design, rigid beam–column connections are used under the base level, then all of the beam–column connections under the base level are changed to simple connections. The seismic performance of these two types is evaluated by FEMA P695 method. For predicting the collapse capacity of each archetype, adjusted collapse margin ratios are evaluated based on several nonlinear analyses and compared to acceptance criteria. Finally, seismic performance of these two kinds of structures is compared with each other. Despite the structural system’s change in height, seismic performance factors of special steel moment frames are considered for designing whole of the structures. Finally all two types of structures pass the acceptability checks and all the initial assumption are proved.