Structural performance of steel buildings with semi-rigid connections

In the present analytical work, a parametric study is performed narrowing the range of building configurations for which semi-rigid connections (SRCs) are appropriate in high seismic regions. A comparison is made between two types of buildings, namely a traditional moment resisting frame and a SRC building employing end plate connections. Both buildings are expected to maintain a lifesafety limit state (severe damage without collapse). A detailed comparison is made between the static and dynamic linear and non linear response of the sample buildings. The results of the static nonlinear (pushover) analyses are presented hereafter. It is shown that buildings with SRCs yield both an economical and safe design. The forced formation of plastic hinges at the connections reduces the required column size in the traditional strong column-weak beam design theory.