Evolution of EC8 Seismic Design Rules for X Concentric Bracings

Abstract

Eurocodes are currently under revision within a six-year program by CEN/TC 250. In this framework, concentric bracings, particularly in cross configuration, have been largely debated; indeed, several criticisms affect the seismic design procedure currently codified within Eurocode 8, entailing significant design efforts and leading to massive and non-economical structural systems, even characterized by poor seismic behavior. The efforts of SC8 have been aimed at improving the codified seismic design criteria for concentrically braced frames, by providing requirements and detailing rules conceived to simplify the design process and to improve the seismic performance. The current paper provides recent advances in the field of computational and structural engineering focusing on symmetric X concentrically bracings in seismic area, outlining the evolution of Eurocode 8 (EC8) seismic design rules, by examining the following aspects: (i) ductility class and behavior factor, (ii) analysis and modelling aspects, (iii) design of dissipative members; (iv) design of non-dissipative zones; (v) brace-to-frame connections.

Keywords

• concentrically bracing
• steel frame
• Eurocode 8
• seismic design
• seismic performance