Comparative Response of Earthquake Resistant CBF Buildings Designed According to Canadian and European Code Provisions

Abstract: In this study, both Canadian and European code provisions for steel concentrically braced frames (CBF) are discussed and issues addressing ductility classes for brace cross-sections, q factor value and brace configurations as covered in Eurocode 8 are presented. From comparison with the Canadian provisions it is concluded that beams and columns of CBFs designed according to Eurocode 8 could be under-design when braces perform in the inelastic range. A prototype 8-storey CBF building with multi-storey X-braces is designed and analysed in agreement with both code provisions. The nonlinear seismic responses are presented in terms of interstorey drift, residual interstorey drift and floor acceleration. It was concluded that both buildings are able to yield similar base shear, show similar floor acceleration while the European building undergoes larger residual interstorey drift.