An economical structural system for wind and earthquake loads

An economical structural system which would mitigate undesirable vibrations due to wind and earthquake loads is being developed. In this proposed syst em, the inherent hysteretic damping of the knee-brace-frame (KBF) with shea r yielding knee is tapped to maintain the structural integrity in the event of a severe earthquake, while the frictional damping (in the form of slott ed bolted connection, SBC) in the brace of KBF is utilised to dissipate ene rgy in order to meet the serviceability requirements during severe wind sto rms or moderate earthquakes. As SBC dissipates energy without causing perma nent damage, part of the strength required for serviceability design can be reduced by activating the SBC at an appropriate slip force. This would eco nomise the material required for serviceability design. (C) 2001 Elsevier S cience Ltd. All rights reserved.