Dual seismic-resistant steel frame with high post-yield stiffness energy-dissipative braces for residual drift reduction

A dual seismic-resistant steel frame, which consists of a moment-resisting frame equipped with high post-yield stiffness energy-dissipative braces, is proposed and numerically evaluated. Replaceable hourglass shape pins made of duplex stainless steel with high post-yield stiffness and large energy dissipation and fracture capacity are in series connected to conventional steel braces. Moreover, replaceable fuses are introduced in the beams at the locations where plastic hinges are expected to develop. A performance-based seismic design procedure and appropriate capacity design rules are used to design the dual frame, while its seismic performance is evaluated with advanced numerical simulations using experimentally validated shell–solid finite element models and simplified beam element models. The numerical results show that the dual frame has adequate stiffness and energy dissipation capacity to control peak storey drifts (i.e. non-structural damage), while plastic deformations (i.e. structural damage) are isolated within the replaceable pins of the braces and the beam fuses. In addition, the high post-yield stiffness of the pins, combined with the appreciable elastic deformation capacity of the moment-resisting frame, results in significant reduction of residual storey drifts, which are found to have a mean value of 0.06% under the design earthquake and a mean value of 0.12% under the maximum considered earthquake. These values indicate a superior residual storey drift performance compared to steel frames equipped with buckling restrained braces, and highlight the potential of the proposed dual frame to help steel buildings to return to service within an acceptable short time in the aftermath of a strong earthquake.