An economical structural system for wind and earthquake loads

An economical structural system which would mitigate undesirable vibrations due to wind and earthquake loads is being developed. In this proposed system, the inherent hysteretic damping of the knee–brace-frame (KBF) with shear yielding knee is tapped to maintain the structural integrity in the event of a severe earthquake, while the frictional damping (in the form of slotted bolted connection, SBC) in the brace of KBF is utilised to dissipate energy in order to meet the serviceability requirements during severe wind storms or moderate earthquakes. As SBC dissipates energy without causing permanent damage, part of the strength required for serviceability design can be reduced by activating the SBC at an appropriate slip force. This would economise the material required for serviceability design.