Performance assessment of steel structures with semi-rigid joints in seismic areas

Abstract

Purpose It is well known that the real behaviour of joints lies between the ideal pinned or rigid joint responses. Additionally the influence of this behaviour on the global structural response has been widely studied in the past centred on the plastic resistance or the critical load. On the other hand, there are relatively few studies focusing on the dynamical response of these structures. This paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Two types of structures with rigid and semi-rigid joints were considered. Their inelastic response was evaluated using the N2 conventional pushover method, and were later compared to the results from a full non-linear dynamic analysis. Findings The results indicated that increasing joint flexibility makes the structure less rigid, lengthening its fundamental period and enhancing its horizontal displacement. Furthermore, a parametric study showed that joint flexibility might be of paramount importance to low to medium rise buildings response. Originality/value The evaluation of the influence of joint flexibility on the inelastic behaviour of steel structures located in seismic zone is of paramount importance, and is tackled in this paper.