Optimal Panel Zone Participation in Steel Moment Frames
Abstract
This work investigates the role of panel zones in the seismic response of buildings
using steel moment frames. To address this debated matter requires well-developed
finite element models that can accurately simulate the behavior of frame systems
under a variety of ground motions. A procedure to form an optimally designed frame
subassemblage is proposed to maximize its inelastic deformation energy capacity.
The proposed procedure is then applied to an available steel moment frame for
evaluating its overall seismic performance.
A new frame finite element is developed to have a feature that is not present in
available structural analysis softwares. The feature is to capture the local buckling of
thin-wall structural members by using line elements. The performance of the developed
theory for the new element is verified with a highly refined finite element model
using shell elements. A robust analytical solution is also developed for simulating the
behavior of beam-to-column connections in steel lateral force-resisting frames. The
results obtained from the developed theory for the connections remarkably match
available experimental results.
This study proposed a procedure to maximize the inelastic deformation energy of
steel moment frame subassemblages. It was found that the high ratio of the column
strength to the panel zone strength has considerably positive effects on maximizing
the inelastic deformation capacity. The proposed procedure can be applied to a whole
frame system to increase the overall seismic performance of that frame. As a result,
the safety or reliability of a steel moment frame under earthquakes can be improved
while maintaining the fabrication of the structure at an effective cost.
Subject
Frame ElementLocal Buckling
Steel Frame Connection Model
Panel Zone Model
Steel Moment Frames
Seismic Performance
Collapse Margin Ratio
Citation
Ngo, Thanh Tat (2014). Optimal Panel Zone Participation in Steel Moment Frames. Doctoral dissertation, Texas A & M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /152471.