Experimental and Computational Investigation of the Performance of the Braced Ductile Shear Panel

Abstract

This thesis presents the investigation of the performance of a new ductile seismic resistant steel bracing system, called the Braced Ductile Shear Panel (BDSP), which can be used to provide the necessary lateral strength to steel braced frame buildings in high seismic areas. The proposed system is comprised of a sacrificial rectangular shear panel, connected to the frame by four short concentric braces. The BDSP is envisioned as an economical alternative to more expensive bracing systems, while still providing increased design control and similar performance levels. First, the development of the BDSP concept is illustrated, and equations are developed to predict the elastic and plastic response of the shear panel based on its geometry by means of a reduced model, and a numerical parametric study. To validate the results of the computational study, an experimental program is conducted on a half-scale steel frame braced with a BDSP. Ten shear panel specimens with varying geometry are tested under quasi-static cyclic lateral loading. The data from this program is then used to verify the accuracy of the results obtained from a detailed three-dimensional finite element model, which is later used to compute the response of the BDSP systems. Finally, the design of the BDSP system for a sample 12-story office building is presented. The design is then evaluated by conducting nonlinear dynamic analyses, following the methodology in FEMA P 695. This work shows that the Braced Ductile Shear Panel can achieve high level of ductility, and it can, in fact, represent a viable, economical alternative to provide a building with the necessary lateral strength.