PI | |
Co-PIs | |
Project Type | Simulation |
Natural Hazard Type(s) | Earthquake |
Facilities | |
Keywords | Earthquake Engineering, Seismic Local Buckling Limits, Column Rotation, Steel Structures |
This project focuses on investigating the rotational behavior of columns in Steel Special Moment Frames (SMFs) under seismic loading conditions. Specifically, the study aims to evaluate the column end rotations induced by a variety of ground motions at the Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE) level, simulating seismic events to quantify the column rotations during intense earthquake scenarios. The analysis spans buildings with different story heights—4, 8, 12, and 16 stories—and explores the relationship between column rotations and story drift angles. The prototype buildings are designed according to the 2022 specifications and 2016 seismic b/t limits. The columns are designed to be lightweight, without the use of doubler plates, and are modeled with fixed bases. Numerical simulations were performed using OpenSees, a nonlinear finite element (FEM) software for structural analysis, to determine the dynamic response of SMF columns under seismic loading. A total of 44 distinct ground motions, representing a wide range of seismic events at the MCE level, were incorporated into the simulations. The primary objective was to measure the column rotations and quantify their performance under varying seismic forces. By examining peak rotations and rotational patterns, the study assesses the effectiveness of seismic local buckling design. The findings help establish critical rotation thresholds, beyond which substantial damage or failure may occur. These results will contribute to the ongoing work of the AISC Ad Hoc Task Group on Seismic Local Buckling Limits (2027 Cycle) and inform the development of updated provisions for the upcoming revision of AISC 341. Ultimately, this research aims to refine seismic design guidelines, improving the safety and performance of steel moment frames under earthquake loading conditions.