Inelastic parameter estimates for regular steel moment-resisting frames

This paper introduces empirical equations to estimate key inelastic parameters for regular steel moment-resisting frames (SMRF). The proposed equations depend only on parameters that can be obtained using linear-elastic analysis and, on readily available data such as weight and height. The first equation allows to estimate the frame’s yield displacement based only on its effective height. The second equation permits to estimate the frame’s strength based on the effective weight, effective height and fundamental period squared. Regression analyses of data, collected from nonlinear static and modal analyses of 22 SMRFs, provides the empirical base for the proposed equations.

► Relationship between yield displacement and effective-height was established for SMRF.
► Relationship between strength-to-effective-weight and period-squared-to-effective-height.
► The strength and stiffness of regular steel frames are proportional to each other.
► The yield displacement of regular frames is independent of strength and stiffness.