Frames with Intentionally Eccentric W-Shape, C-Shape, and Round HSS Braces

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15517/

Keywords:

Braces with Intentional Eccentricity (BIEs), earthquake-resistant design, Frames with Intentionally Eccentric Braces (FIEBs), Non- Linear Response History Analysis (NLRHA), steel braced frames

Abstract

Steel Frames with Intentionally Eccentric Braces (FIEBs) are an innovative Seismic Force-Resisting
System (SFRS) that offers significant advantages compared to Concentrically Braced Frames (CBFs).
Recent research has shown that the adjustable stiffness and strength of Braces with Intentional
Eccentricity (BIEs) with square Hollow Structural Section (HSS) bracing members allows for a better
control over the structure’s dynamic response and for a reduction of the capacity-based design forces on
the non-energy-dissipating members.
In this article, the aptness of W-shapes, C-shapes, and round HSSs to be employed as bracing
members in multi-story FIEBs is evaluated preliminarily. To this end, hypothetical buildings with FIEBs
based on the three section types as their SFRS are designed using a displacement-based procedure for
the seismic hazard of locations in Costa Rica, and their performance is assessed numerically with Non-
Linear Response History Analysis (NLRHA).
The results show that the three section types produce FIEBs that display a satisfactory seismic
response in terms of maximum story drifts and story shears, and that the use of W-shape BIEs results in
the most cost-effective designs.

References

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Published

2025-07-09

Issue

Vol. 35 No. 2 (2025): July - December 2025 (open issue)

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Original Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Andrés González Ureña (Autor/a)

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