09-10-2014, 02:51 PM
Experiences from the post-earthquake investigations clearly demonstrate the vulnerability of beam-column joints in steel moment-resisting frames (MRFs) under strong seismic shaking. These joints have finite size, stiffness and strength. Experimental and analytical investigations showed strong dependence of the seismic performance of steel structures on joint panel design. The current design specifications for steel joints are based on strength considerations. Since the performance of a frame is evaluated based on how well it dissipates the seismic energy input to it during ground shaking, it is of interest to study the performance of different joint panel designs vis-ÃÆ -vis energy dissipation characteristics. In this thesis, the parameters that affect the energy dissipation characteristics of steel planar MRFs vis-ÃÆ -vis joint panel designs are emphasized through example single-storey single-bay portal frames. The various analytical models proposed in the literature for simulating the behaviour of joint panel zones are reviewed. The seismic design codes provide sp