Seismic design of space steel frames using advanced methods of analysis

A rational and efficient seismic design methodology for regular space steel frames using an advanced time domain finite element method of analysis that takes into account geometrical and material nonlinearities is presented. Seismic loads are applied in the form of Eurocode 8 spectrum compatible real accelerograms along the two horizontal directions of the frame. The iterative design procedure starts with assumed member sections, continues with the response checks for the damage, ultimate and service limit states and ends with the adjustment of member sizes so as all the response checks to be satisfied for all limit states. Thus, the proposed design method deals with nonlinearities and member interactions at the global level and consequently separate member capacity checks through the interaction equations of Eurocode 3 or the usage of the conservative and crude q-factor of Eurocode 8 are not required. Two numerical examples dealing with the design of (a) a space three storey steel frame with one bay in both horizontal directions and (b) a space seven storey steel frame with two and three bays along its two horizontal directions are presented to illustrate the method and demonstrate its advantages.