This paper presents two different seismic design approaches for multistorey
chevron (inverted V) steel braced frames. The first method complies with c
urrent Canadian code provisions in which the beams in the bracing bents mus
t be designed to sustain the forces expected to develop up to buckling of t
he bracing members. In the second approach, the beams must also resist the
gravity loads together with a fraction of the brace loads that are induced
after buckling of the braces. This second approach aims at minimizing the d
egradation in storey shear resistance typically exhibited by chevron bracin
g subjected to strong ground motions, and it is proposed that such braced f
rames with reinforced beams be designed for reduced seismic loads. Both des
ign procedures are applied to typical multistorey braced frames to examine
their economical impacts. Three different beam strength levels were conside
red for the second design method. The results show that the saving expected
from reducing the seismic loads in the second design approach is generally
offset by the increase in beam sizes required by this method. However, the
braced frames with stronger beams exhibit a much higher storey shear resis
tance after buckling of the bracing members has occurred.