A connection model for the seismic analysis of welded steel moment frames

摘要

An analytical approach is described for performing seismic evalu- ation of welded steel moment frame buildings constructed prior to the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The approach is based on an analytical model that captures the possibility of connection fracture and the subsequent loss of strength and stiffness. This connection model was developed and calibrated on the basis of laboratory experiments. It was employed in the seismic analysis of a 13--story building which experienced fractured connections in the Northridge earthquake and for which there are seismograph rec- ords and a damage survey. Results from several analyses indicate that the inelastic and fracture models are capable of predicting the behavior of steel moment frame buildings and of estimating the level of damage.