Enhanced seismic performance of linked column frames by means of three linked columns

The linked column frame (LCF) system has recently been proposed as a resilient seismic load resisting structural type. The primary resisting system consists of dual columns connected by easily replaceable links, whereas the secondary resisting system consists of moment resisting frames. Despite the high energy dissipation capacity of this structural system, previous studies have shown that relatively low behavior factor values must be adopted to meet the interstorey drift limits required by Eurocode 8. This paper investigates a modified structural configuration featuring three linked columns, aimed at reducing interstorey drift demands. Specifically, the seismic performance and construction costs of a six-story building designed using the traditional configuration (i.e., two linked columns) are compared with those of the proposed configuration (i.e., three linked columns).