Design of SeismicResistant Steel

Building Structures
Concentrically Braced
Frames

Reference:
Michael D. Engelhardt
with the support of the
American Institute of Steel Construction.

Concentrically Braced Frames

Description and Types of Concentrically Braced

Frames

Basic Behavior of Concentrically Braced Frames

AISC Seismic Provisions for Special Concentrically
Braced Frames

Concentrically Braced Frames

Description and Types of Concentrically Braced

Frames

Basic Behavior of Concentrically Braced Frames

AISC Seismic Provisions for Special Concentrically
Braced Frames

Concentrically Braced Frames (CBFs)

Beams, columns and braces arranged to form a
vertical truss. Resist lateral earthquake forces by
truss action.
Develop ductility through inelastic action in braces.
- braces yield in tension
- braces buckle in compression
Advantages
- high elastic stiffness
Disadvantages
- less ductile than other systems (SMFs, EBFs, BRBFs)
- reduced architectural versatility

Types of CBFs

Single Diagonal

Inverted V- Bracing

X- Bracing

V- Bracing

Two Story X- Bracing

Concentrically Braced Frames

Description and Types of Concentrically Braced

Frames

Basic Behavior of Concentrically Braced Frames

AISC Seismic Provisions for Special Concentrically
Braced Frames

Inelastic Response of CBFs under Earthquake Loading

Inelastic Response of CBFs under Earthquake Loading

Tension Brace: Yields

(ductile)

Compression Brace: Buckles

(nonductile)

Columns and beams: remain essentially elastic

Inelastic Response of CBFs under Earthquake Loading

Compression Brace
(previously in tension):
Buckles
(nonductile)

Tension Brace (previously in

compression): Yields
(ductile)

Columns and beams: remain essentially elastic

Brace Behavior Under Cyclic Axial Loading

P
Tension

Shortening

Elongation

Compression

Brace Behavior Under Cyclic Axial Loading

P

1. Brace loaded in compression to peak

compression capacity (buckling).

PCR

Brace Behavior Under Cyclic Axial Loading

P

1. Brace loaded in compression to peak

compression capacity (buckling).
2. Continue loading in compression.
Compressive resistance drops rapidly.
Flexural plastic hinge forms at midlength (due to P- moment in member).

PCR

plastic hinge

Brace Behavior Under Cyclic Axial Loading

P

1. Brace loaded in compression to peak

compression capacity (buckling).
2. Continue loading in compression.
Compressive resistance drops rapidly.
Flexural plastic hinge forms at midlength (due to P- moment in member).

PCR

3. Remove load from member (P=0).

Member has permanent out-of-plane
deformation.

Brace Behavior Under Cyclic Axial Loading

P

4.

Py

Brace loaded in tension to yield.

PCR

Brace Behavior Under Cyclic Axial Loading

P

Py

3
5
2

PCR

4.

Brace loaded in tension to yield.

5.

Remove load from member (P=0).

Member still has permanent out-ofplane deformation.

Brace Behavior Under Cyclic Axial Loading

P

Py

3
5
2

4.

Brace loaded in tension to yield.

5.

Remove load from member (P=0).

Member still has permanent out-ofplane deformation.

6.

Brace loaded in compression to peak

compression capacity (buckling).
Peak compression capacity reduced
from previous cycle.

6
1

PCR

Brace Behavior Under Cyclic Axial Loading

P

Py

3
5
7

6
1

PCR

4.

Brace loaded in tension to yield.

5.

Remove load from member (P=0).

Member still has permanent out-ofplane deformation.

6.

Brace loaded in compression to peak

compression capacity (buckling).
Peak compression capacity reduced
from previous cycle.

7.

Continue loading in compression.

Flexural plastic hinge forms at midlength (due to P- moment in
member).

Experimental Behavior of Brace Under Cyclic Axial Loading

W6x20 Kl/r = 80

Experimental Behavior of Brace Under Cyclic Axial Loading

W6x16 Kl/r = 120

Experimental Behavior of Braced Frame Under Cyclic Loading

Developing Ductile Behavior in CBFs

General Approach

Design frame so that inelastic behavior is

restricted to braces.
Braces are "fuse" elements of frame.
Braces are weakest element of frame. All
other frame elements (columns, beams,
connections) are stronger than braces.

Choose brace members with good energy

dissipation capacity and fracture life (limit kL/r
and b/t).

Developing Ductile Behavior in CBFs

General Approach

Design brace connections for maximum

forces and deformations imposed by brace
during cyclic yielding/buckling

Developing Ductile Behavior in CBFs

General Approach

Design beams and columns (and column

splices and column bases) for maximum
forces imposed by braces

Developing Ductile Behavior in CBFs

General Approach

Design braces based on

code specified
earthquake forces.
Design all other frame
elements for maximum
forces that can be
developed by braces.

Maximum Forces Developed by Braces

Braces in Tension - Axial Force:

P
P
For design:

Pmax = Py

Take Pmax = Ry Fy Ag

Maximum Forces Developed by Braces

Braces in Compression - Axial Force

For design:

Presidual =

Take lesser of

0.3 Pcr

Pmax = 1.14 Pn
( Pn = Ag Fcre - Ch. E)

Pmax

Pmax = RyFyAg
Take Presidual = 0.3 Pmax

Pmax is expected Compression

Strength

Maximum Forces Developed by Braces

Braces in Compression - Bending Moment:
Plastic Hinges

P
M

For "fixed" end braces: flexural plastic hinges will form at

mid-length and at brace ends. Brace will impose bending
moment on connections and adjoining members.

For design:
Take Mmax = 1.1 Ry Fy Zbrace (for critical buckling direction)

Maximum Forces Developed by Braces

Braces in Compression - Bending Moment:

P
Plastic Hinge

For "pinned" end braces: flexural plastic hinge will form at

mid-length only. Brace will impose no bending moment on
connections and adjoining members.
Must design brace connection to behave like a "pin"

Maximum Forces in Columns and Beams

To estimate maximum axial forces
imposed by braces on columns and
beams:
Braces in tension:
Take P = Ry Fy Ag
Braces in compression:
Take P = 1.14 Pn or P = 0.3 Pmax
whichever produces critical design case

Example

Find maximum axial

compression in column.
Tension Braces:
Take P = Ry Fy Ag
Compression Braces:
Take P = 0.3 Pmax

Example

Ry Fy Ag

0.3 Pn
Ry Fy Ag

Column Axial Compression =

0.3 Pn
Ry Fy Ag

0.3 Pn

[ (Ry Fy Ag ) cos + (0.3 Pmax) cos ] + Pgravity

(sum brace forces for all levels above column)

Example

Find maximum axial

tension in column.
Tension Braces:
Take P = Ry Fy Ag
Compression Braces:
Take P = 0.3 Pmax

Example

0.3 Pmax

Ry Fy Ag
0.3 Pmax

Column Axial Tension =

[ (Ry Fy Ag ) cos + (0.3 Pmax) cos ] - Pgravity

Ry Fy Ag

0.3 Pmax

(sum brace forces for all levels above column)

Ry Fy Ag

Example
Find maximum axial
compression in column.

Tension Brace:
Take P = Ry Fy Ag
Compression Brace:
Take P = 0.3 Pmax

Example

0.3 Pmax
Ry Fy Ag

Column Axial Compression =

(Ry Fy Ag ) cos + (0.3 P0.3 Pmax) cos + Pgravity

Note
Based on elastic frame analysis:
Column Axial Force = Pgravity

Example
Find maximum bending
moment in beam.
Tension Brace:
Take P = Ry Fy Ag

Compression Brace:
Take P = 0.3 Pmax

Example

Ry Fy Ag

0.3 Pmax

Example

Compute moment in beam

resulting from application of
concentrated load at midspan
of ( Ry Fy Ag - 0.3 Pmax ) sin
and add moment due to
gravity load

( Ry Fy Ag - 0.3 Pmax ) sin

Note
Based on elastic frame analysis:
Moment in beam 0

Example
Find maximum axial
tension and compression
that will be applied to
gusset plate.

Tension Brace:
Take P = Ry Fy Ag
Compression Brace:
Take P = 1.14Pmax

Example
L

wgravity = (1.2 + 0.2 SDS) D + 0.5L

Ry Fy Ag

0.3 Pmax

Beam-to-column connections:
simple framing

Example
Forces acting on beam:
L

wgravity = (1.2 + 0.2 SDS) D + 0.5L

( Ry Fy Ag + 0.3 Pmax ) cos

( Ry Fy Ag - 0.3 Pmax ) sin

Example
Check gusset yield, gusset
net section fracture, gusset
block shear fracture, local
beam web yielding, etc.

Ry Fy Ag

Check gusset buckling,

beam web crippling, etc.

1.14 Pn or
0.3Pmax

Concentrically Braced Frames

Description and Types of Concentrically Braced

Frames

Basic Behavior of Concentrically Braced Frames

AISC Seismic Provisions for Special Concentrically
Braced Frames

2010 AISC Seismic Provisions

Section F2 Special Concentrically Braced Frames (SCBF)
Section F1 Ordinary Concentrically Braced Frames (OCBF)

Section F2
Special Concentrically Braced Frames (SCBF)
F2.1

Scope

F2.2

Basis of Design

F2.3

Analysis

F2.4

System Requirements

F2.5

Members

F2.6

Connections

AISC Seismic Provisions SCBF

F2.2 Design Basis

Special concentrically braced frames (SCBF) are

expected to provide significant inelastic deformations
primarily through brace buckling and yielding of the
brace in tension.

AISC Seismic Provisions SCBF

F2.3 Analysis
The required strength of the columns, beams and connections in
SCBF shall be based on the load combinations in the applicable
building code that include amplified seismic load.
The seismic load effect shall be taken as the the larger force from
An analysis in which all the braces are assumed to resist forces
corresponding to their expected strength in compression or
tension
An analysis in which all braces in tension are assumed to resist
forces corresponding to their expected strength and all the braces
in compression are assumed to resist their expected post yield
buckling strength.
Braces shall be determined in compression or tension neglecting the
effects of gravity loads.

AISC Seismic Provisions SCBF

F2.3 Analysis
Analysis shall consider both directions of frame loading
It is permitted to neglect flexural forces from seismic drift
The required strength need not exceed the least of the following:
The forces determined using load combinations stipulated by the
applicable building code including the amplified seismic load,
applied to the building in which all the compression braces have
been removed.
The forces corresponding to resistance of the foundation due to
overturning uplift
Forces determined from a non-linear analysis

F2.4 System Requirements

F2.4a Lateral Force Distribution
Along any line of bracing, braces shall be deployed
in alternate directions such that, for either direction
of force parallel to the bracing, at least 30 percent but
not more than 70% of the total horizontal force along
that line is resisted by braces in tension.

F2.4 System Requirements

F2.4a Lateral Force Distribution
Deploy braces so that about half are in tension (and the
other half in compression)

All braces in tension (or compression) NG

OK

AISC Seismic Provisions - SCBF

F2.4 System Requirements

F2.4b V-Type and Inverted V-Type Bracing

Both flanges of the beam must be braced at the point

of intersection of the braces unless the beam has
sufficient out of plane strength and stiffness to ensure
stability.
Beams shall be braced to satisfy the requirements for
moderately ductile members in Section D1.2a.

AISC Seismic Provisions - SCBF

F2.4 System Requirements

F2.4c K-Type Bracing

K-Type Braces are not Permitted for SCBF

AISC Seismic Provisions - SCBF

F2.5b Members Diagonal Bracing

F2.5b Slenderness
Bracing members shall have:

KL
200
r

Shall conform to the requirements for highly ductile

members in Section D1.1
Built up members for bracing shall conform to
Section F2.5b (2).

AISC Seismic Provisions - SCBF

F2.5b Members Diagonal Bracing

F2.5b Slenderness

plastic hinge

Braces: form plastic hinge during buckling

With high b/t's - local buckling and possibly
fracture may occur at plastic
hinge region

AISC Seismic Provisions - SCBF

F2.5b Members Diagonal Bracing

F2.5b (3) Area
The brace effective net area shall not be less than the
brace gross area. Where reinforcement on braces is
used the following requirements apply:
i. Strength of reinforcement shall be at least
that of brace.
ii. The connections of the reinforcement shall
have sufficient strength to develop the
expected reinforcement strength.

Objective: yield of gross section of

brace prior to fracture of net section

Example
gusset plate
double angle bracing member

Check double angle bracing member for

limit state of net section fracture

Pu= Ry Fy Ag
Required axial tension strength
of brace for limit state of
fracture of the net section

Pu= Ry Fy Ag
Critical Net Section
Ae = U An
Ae < Ag due to:
bolt hole (An < Ag ), and
shear lag (U < 1)

Pu= Ry Fy Ag
Limit state: fracture of net section

Pn = (0.75) Ae (Rt Fu)

Use expected tensile strength Rt FU when checking net section fracture of

bracing member, since Ry Fy of the same member is used to computed the
required strength

Pu= Ry Fy Ag
Limit state: fracture of net section

(0.75) Ae (Rt Fu) Ry Fy Ag

OR:

R y Fy
Ae

Ag (0.75 ) Rt Fu

Pu= Ry Fy Ag
Limit state: fracture of net section

R y Fy
Ae

Ag (0.75 ) Rt Fu
For A36 Angles:

For A572 Gr. 50 Angles:

Ae
1.5 36 ksi

= 1.03
Ag (0.75 ) 1.2 58 ksi

Ae
1.1 50 ksi

= 1.03
Ag (0.75 ) 1.1 65 ksi

Need to Reinforce Net Section (Ae need not exceed Ag )

Also check block shear rupture of bracing member....

Pu= Ry Fy Ag

Pn = (0.75) Ubs Ant Rt Fu + lesser of

0.6 Anv Rt Fu
0.6 Agv Ry Fy

Reinforcing net section of bracing member....

Example

gusset plate
rectangular HSS bracing
member

Check HSS bracing member for limit state

of net section fracture

Pu= Ry Fy Ag
Required axial tension strength
of brace for limit state of
fracture of the net section

Pu= Ry Fy Ag
Critical Net Section
Ae = U An
Ae < Ag due to:
slot (An < Ag ), and
shear lag (U < 1)

Pu= Ry Fy Ag
Limit state: fracture of net section

(0.75) Ae (Rt Fu) Ry Fy Ag

OR:

R y Fy
Ae

Ag (0.75 ) Rt Fu

For A500 Gr B rectangular HSS:

Ae
1.4 46 ksi

= 1.14
Ag (0.75 ) 1.3 58 ksi

Need to Reinforce Net Section (Ae need not exceed Ag )

Also check block shear rupture of bracing member....

L

t = design wall thickness of HSS

Pu= Ry Fy Ag

Pn = (0.75) Ubs Ant Rt Fu + lesser of

Ant = 0

0.6 Anv Rt Fu
0.6 Agv Ry Fy
Ant = Agv = 4 L t

For A500 Gr B rectangular HSS: Rt Fu = 1.3 x 58 ksi = 75.4 ksi

Ry Fy = 1.4 x 46 ksi = 64.2 ksi

Also check block shear rupture of bracing member....

L

t = design wall thickness of HSS

Pu= Ry Fy Ag

Pn = (0.75) ( 4 L t x 0.6 x 64.2 ksi) 1.4 x 46 ksi x Ag

0.557 Ag
t

= minimum length of welded overlap

needed based on block shear
rupture in HSS bracing member

Reinforcing net section of bracing member....

AISC Seismic Provisions - SCBF

F2.6 Connections Bracing

F2.6c Tensile Strength
The required tensile strength of bracing connections (including
beam-to-column connections if part of the bracing system) shall
be the lesser of the following:
1. Ry Fy Ag of the bracing member.
2. The maximum load effect, indicated by analysis that
can be transferred to the brace by the system.
Few practical applications of Item 2.
Note that oQE is NOT an acceptable method to establish
"maximum load effect"

Ry Fy Ag

Pu = Ry Fy Ag

Consider load path

through connection region

Pu cos

Pu sin

Consider load path

through connection
region:

Pu = Ry Fy Ag

Vuc

Uniform Force Method Vertical Component of Pu

transferred to column.
Vuc + Vub = Pu sin
Vuc is transferred directly to column

Vub

Vub

Pu sin

Vub is transferred indirectly to column

through beam and beam to
column connection

Pu cos
Need to learn this on your own -Document on T-square

Consider load path

through connection
region:

Pu = Ry Fy Ag

Uniform Force Method Horizontal Component of

Pu transferred to beam.
Huc + Hub = Pu cos

Huc

Hub is transferred directly to beam

Hub
Huc

Pu sin

Pu cos

Huc is transferred indirectly to beam

through column and beam to
column connection

Consider load path through

connection region:
Pu = Ry Fy Ag

Use caution in use of bolts

and welds.
"Bolts and welds shall not be
designed to share force in a
joint or the same force
component in a connection."
Pu cos

Pu sin

Pu = Ry Fy Ag

If designed by uniform force

method - this connection
violates the rule.
Bolts and welds must transfer same
force components.

Pu cos

Pu sin

AISC Seismic Provisions - SCBF

F2.6 Connections Bracing

F2.6c (2) Compressive Strength

The required compressive strength of bracing connections shall

be at least 1.1 Ry Pn
Pn = Ag Fcr of bracing member
(per Chapter E of AISC Main Specification)

1.1 Ry Pn

Check:
- buckling of gusset plate
- web crippling for beam and column

AISC Seismic Provisions - SCBF

F2.6 Connections Bracing

F2.6c (3)a Accommodation of Brace Buckling
The required flexural strength of bracing connections is
1.1 Ry Mp of bracing member.

Plastic Hinges

P
M

For "fixed" end braces: flexural plastic hinges will form at

mid-length and at brace ends. Brace will impose bending
moment on connections and adjoining members.

Mu = 1.1 Ry Mp = 1.1 Ry Fy Zbrace

(for critical buckling direction)

1.1 Ry Mp-brace

AISC Seismic Provisions - SCBF

13.3 Required Strength of Bracing Connections

13.3b Required Flexural Strength
The required flexural strength of bracing connections is
1.1 Ry Mp of bracing member.
Exception:
Accommodation of inelastic rotation is typically
accomplished by means of a single gusset
plate with the brace terminating before the line
of restraint. The detailing requirements are in
the commentary.

P
Plastic Hinge

For "pinned" end braces: flexural plastic hinge will form at

mid-length only. Brace will impose no bending moment on
connections and adjoining members.
Must design brace connection to behave like a "pin"

To accommodate brace end rotation: provide "fold line"

Buckling perpendicular
to gusset plate

Line of rotation ("fold

line") when the brace
buckles out-of-plane (thin
direction of plate)

2t

2t

2t

Concrete floor slab

2t

Concrete floor slab

Styrofoam

> 2t

>2t

> 2t

AISC Seismic Provisions - SCBF

F2.6 Connections Bracing

F2.6c (2) Compressive Strength

The required compressive strength of bracing connections shall

be at least 1.1 Ry Pn
Pn = Ag Fcr of bracing member
(per Chapter E of AISC Main Specification)

1.1 Ry Pn

Check:
- buckling of gusset plate
- web crippling for beam and column