Seismic behaviour and design procedures for steel V-braced frames

This paper presents an approach for designing low-rise steel framed buildings with V-bracing for severe earthquakes. A deterministic design philosophy is used with respect to earthquake-resisting ductile steel braced frames. Seismic inelastic behaviour of steel frames with V-bracing is discussed. A series of dynamic analyses was performed on a two-story V-braced frame, subjected to near-field ground motions. Post-elastic behaviour of braces and beams is discussed. From the results of dynamic analyses, the interrelations between the seismic forces in frame members are identified. The expressions for the maximum expected seismic design actions in those elements are derived, following the capacity design method. It is believed that this approach will result in stronger and more ductile frames that are capable of resisting the near-field ground motions.