Experimental evaluation of the seismic performance of modular steel-braced frames

Several studies have shown that the lateral response of concentrically-braced frames is dominated by the inelastic behavior of the bracing members. However, the overall performance of the entire frame depends on the frame configuration including its connections. In this study, the hysteretic characteristics of modular steel-braced frames under reversed cyclic loading are evaluated. The design and construction of the test specimen accounted for the unique detailing requirements of these frames. A regular concentrically-braced frame with similar physical characteristics was also tested for comparison. Both test specimens consisted of a one-storey X-braced system with tubular brace cross-section. This paper describes the behavior characteristics and provides a detailed comparison of the two systems to assess the strength, stiffness, inelastic force and deformation, and energy dissipation characteristics of the modular system. An analytical model capable of capturing the effect of the system’s unique detailing requirements is proposed and validated using the test results.