چكيده لاتين :
Braced frames, besides other structural systems, such as moment resisting frames or shear
walls, have been an effective and valuable method to enhance structures against lateral
loads. In wind or seismic excitations, inclined elements react as truss web elements which
would bear compression or tension stresses. This axial reaction results in less moments and
therefore smaller sizes in beam and column sections with respect to members in similar
moment resisting frame. However, low tensile strength of concrete material, made it a
challenge to use in inclined members. In practice, there have been various methods to
consider this defect such as disengagement of brace elements in tension or utilization of
prestressed braces.
The purpose of this article is to study the nonlinear response of reinforced concrete
frames which contain reinforced concrete braces as the major structural elements against
earthquake loads. The advantages of nonlinear behavior in reinforced concrete elements and
their adequate energy absorption in cyclic loading are taken into account. Also stiffness and
strength degradation of structural men1bers under cyclic loading is considered.
Two different braced frames with K and X braces are analyzed numerically for four,
eight and twelve story buildings. This study focuses on evaluation of strength, stiffness,
ductility and energy absorption of reinforced concrete braced frames and comparison with
similar moment resisting frames and frames with shear wall. Results are plotted in diagrams
and discussed extensively. According to this study it is concluded that besides effective
lateral stiffuess rising in reinforced concrete braced frames, there is a considerable amount
of energy dissipation during earthquake loading.
