Journal of Steel & Structure

Journal of Steel & Structure

Effect of bracing position on seismic safety of performance-designed steel convergent bracing frames

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Ashkan Khodabandehlou
Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran
10.22034/jss.2025.228095
Abstract
In this study, the seismic behavior and collapse capacity of performance-based designed X-braced frames were investigated. The studied frames were 10-story structures with 3, 4, and 5 bays, featuring different bracing arrangements across the spans. OpenSees was employed for nonlinear modeling and analysis, while MATLAB was used to control performance parameters. Performance-based design was conducted using pushover analysis, and incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) was utilized to assess the seismic safety of the designed structures.
The methodology consists of three phases. In the first phase, the frames were designed based on strength and force criteria according to the LRFD_AISC regulations, as well as performance-based design targeting the Immediate Occupancy, Life Safety, and Collapse Prevention performance levels, following the ASCE 41-13 guidelines. In the second phase, incremental dynamic analysis was performed to predict the collapse capacity of the designed frames and calculate their collapse margin ratio. Finally, the third phase involved a comparison of the designed frames in terms of seismic performance and collapse capacity.
The results indicate that frames with a higher number of braced bays do not necessarily exhibit greater collapse capacity, better seismic safety, or higher structural weight. However, all designed frames demonstrated an acceptable collapse capacity according to the criteria outlined in the FEMA P-695 guidelines.
Keywords
Convergent steel bracing frame
design based on strength
design based on performance
incremental dynamic analysis
seismic safety
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  • Receive Date 30 August 2025
  • First Publish Date 30 August 2025
  • Publish Date 21 March 2025