NEHRP Clearinghouse

Title
Earthquake Simulation Tests of a Low-Rise Metal Structure.
File
PB89102917.pdf
Author(s)
Hwang, J. S.; Chang, K. C.; Lee, G. C.; Ketter, R. L.
Source
National Science Foundation, Washington, DC., August 1, 1988, 70 p.
Identifying Number(s)
NCEER-88-0026
Abstract
In the United States, design of steel gable frames normally follows the guidelines of the American Institute of Steel Construction for assumed wind and gravity loads. In the study, a pinned-base steel gable frame structure composed of prismatic members was so designed, and its seismic behavior was investigated using the shaking table. The structure was tested well into the inelastic range so that its ultimate lateral strength could be evaluated and quantified. It was observed that pinned-base steel gable frames designed according to the AISC specifications under normal gravity and wind loads would not perform satisfactorily under strong earthquake ground motions when measured by the limitations specified by UBC and ATC. The feasibility and efficiency of structural retrofit also was observed for one type of knee brace. The initial investigation suggests that much subsequent strength and ductility can be achieved for the type of structure studied.
Keywords
Steel construction; Earthquake resistant structures; Framed structures; Dynamic tests; Dynamic response; Graphs (Charts); Seismic effects; Steel gable frames; Structural analysis; Shaking table; Ductility; Mechanical properties; Dynamic structural analysis