Preliminary seismic assessment of existing high-rise steel structures: a stiffness-based methodology with failure-mode factors
Abstract
This study presents a novel and efficient methodology for the preliminary seismic assessment of existing steel high-rise structures, eliminating the need for computationally intensive nonlinear analyses. The proposed framework integrates three key innovations: (1) a stiffness-based moment distribution model that links beam yielding to column capacities, (2) failure-mode-dependent reduction factors (β=0.7−0.9 for strength; γ=0.6−0. 8 for ductility) that penalize non-ductile mechanisms, and (3) a systematized adjustment factor (Q) that quantifies the detrimental effects of structural irregularities and material degradation. The methodology was validated through application to an 18-story steel moment-resisting frame (SMRF). Results revealed a critical soft-story vulnerability, with a seismic index of IS=92.5
Fields of Study & Subjects
Seismic and Structural Analysis of Tall Buildings
Structural Load-Bearing Analysis
Seismic Performance and Analysis
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of the Chinese Institute of Engineers
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 49
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 1584–1600
- Publication date
- 29 May 2026
- Language
- EN