Seismic resilient steel structures: A review of research, practice, challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Steel structures have long been recognized as excellent earthquake-resistant systems. However, this viewpoint wavered after the 1994 Northridge and 1995 Kobe earthquakes, when thousands of steel buildings experienced local or global damage making them difficult, if not impossible, to repair. To avoid the inconvenience and costs associated with such damage, significant research has been conducted on approaches that enhance structural resilience. This paper summarizes some of the recent technological advances in the field of seismic resilient steel structures, covering diverse aspects including emerging smart materials, novel members, and innovative design of structural systems. Challenges arising from the incorporation of these new design philosophies are also described and areas for further development are identified. Performance-based design approaches for seismic resilient steel structures are touched upon, and some practical applications that have emerged over the last decade are presented. Instead of giving an exhaustive compilation of all the relevant studies, this paper highlights the authors' unique reflections emphasizing current issues and future needs related to steel buildings. This paper should not only benefit professionals and researchers who have been working in this area for a long time, but it also enlightens a wider audience wishing to become acquainted with the state of the art related to this exciting topic.