Earthquake testing and response analysis of concentrically-braced sub-frames

The results of shake table tests on three concentrically-braced sub-frames are compared with a series of correlative inelastic analyses. Both transient time-history and nonlinear static (pushover) analyses are considered. The lateral resistance of the test frames is provided by a pair of cold-formed tubular steel members. The brace cross-section is varied between tests to investigate the influence of brace slenderness on the stiffness, resistance and ductility displayed by the frame under strong earthquake loading. Response simulations using a two-dimensional analytical model of the test frame are compared with the experimental results. Brace strengths and elastic test frame properties established in complementary static tensile tests and low-level shake table tests, respectively, are used to determine model input data. The transient acceleration and displacement response of the frames calculated in nonlinear time-history analyses are compared with corresponding experimental measurements. The base shear–frame drift relationship is calculated using pushover analyses that consider either the resistance of both frame braces or the tension brace alone. These are compared with the experimental hysteretic response of the test frame. On the whole, the analytical results are observed to agree well with the experimental results, especially with respect to brace tension forces and frame base shear. Cases where the experimental and analytical responses deviate are identified and the implications for earthquake response assessment and design are discussed.