Multi-storey building frames stiffened with dissipative shear walls

Abstract

The thesis investigates the behavior of steel frames with dissipative steel shear walls. Both numerical analyses and experimental tests have been conducted in order to asses the performance of steel plate shear wall systems. The main objective of the thesis is the evaluation of the behavior factor q used for design of such structures. The tests have been conducted for two series of three-bay-two-storey frames, with rigid and semi-rigid MR joints, respectively, two bays stiffened with Shear Walls. Specimens have been half scaled (½), and tested under monotonic and cyclic loading. A numerical model has been calibrated via test results. Parametric studies have been conducted on different frame typologies in order to obtain the q factor. The value of the q factor, around 6, obtained in the numerical analysis is in good agreement with the values obtained in the experimental program. These values indicate SPSW structures exhibit a good dissipative behavior, similar to other dissipative structures, like for example moment resisting frames.