Seismic design of space steel frames using advanced static inelastic (pushover) analysis

Abstract A rational and efficient seismic design method for regular space steel frames using inelastic (pushover) analysis (PA) is presented. This method employs an advanced static finite element analysis that takes into account geometrical and material non-linearities and member and frame imperfections. Resistances (strengths) are computed according to Eurocodes 3. The PA is employed with multimodal lateral loads along the height of the building combining the first few modes. The design starts with assumed member sections, continues with deformation and damage check at three performance levels with the aid of PAs and ends with the adjustment of member sizes. Thus, it can sufficiently capture the limit states of displacements, strength, stability and damage of the structure and its individual members so that separate member capacity checks through the interaction equations of Eurocode 3 or the use of the behavior factor q suggested in Eurocode 8 are not required. One numerical example dealing with the seismic design of a one bay in both horizontal directions and three storey steel moment resisting frame is presented to illustrate the method and demonstrate its advantages.