Design of Seismic-
Resistant Steel
Building Structures
4. Eccentrically Braced
Frames
Design of Seismic-Resistant
Steel Building Structures
1 - Introduction and Basic Principles
2 - Moment Resisting Frames
3 - Concentrically Braced Frames
4 - Eccentrically Braced Frames
5 - Buckling Restrained Braced Frames
6 - Special Plate Shear Walls
1
4 - Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBFs)
• Description of Eccentrically Braced Frames
• Basic Behavior of Eccentrically Braced Frames
• AISC Seismic Provisions for Eccentrically Braced
Frames
Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBFs)
• Description of Eccentrically Braced Frames
• Basic Behavior of Eccentrically Braced Frames
• AISC Seismic Provisions for Eccentrically Braced
Frames
2
Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBFs)
• Framing system with beam, columns and braces. At least one end of
every brace is connected to isolate a segment of the beam called a
link.
• Resist lateral load through a combination of frame action and truss
action. EBFs can be viewed as a hybrid system between moment
frames and concentrically braced frames.
• Develop ductility through inelastic action in the links.
• EBFs can supply high levels of ductility (similar to MRFs), but can
also provide high levels of elastic stiffness (similar to CBFs)
e Link
e Link
3
e Link
e Link
Some possible bracing arrangement for EBFS
e e e e
e
e
4
5
6
7
Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBFs)
• Description of Eccentrically Braced Frames
• Basic Behavior of Eccentrically Braced Frames
• AISC Seismic Provisions for Eccentrically Braced
Frames
8
Inelastic Response of EBFs
9
10
11
MRF CBF
EBF
Energy Dissipation Mechanisms
12
Design of EBFs - General Approach
• Design frame so that inelastic behavior is
restricted to links.
Links are "fuse" elements of frame.
Links are weakest element of frame. All
other frame elements (braces, columns,
beam segments outside of link,
connections) are stronger than links.
• Detail links to provide high ductility
(stiffeners, lateral bracing).
EBFs - Link Behavior
• Link plastic rotation angle
• Forces in links
• Shear vs flexural yielding links
• Link nominal strength
• Post-yield behavior of links
• Examples of experimental
performance of links
13
Link Plastic Rotation Angle
p
p = link plastic rotation angle (rad)
Link Plastic Rotation Angle
p
p = link plastic rotation angle (rad)
14
Link Behavior: Forces in Links
e e
Link Behavior: Shear vs Flexural Yielding Links
M M
V V
Will link plastic strength be
controlled by shear or flexure?
V
Link length "e" is key parameter
M that controls inelastic behavior
15
e
M M
V V
Shear yielding occurs when:
V = Vp = 0.6 Fy (d - 2tf ) tw
V
M Shear yield
web area of link
stress of steel
Vp = fully plastic shear
M capacity of link section
M M
V V
Flexural yielding occurs when:
V M = Mp = Z Fy
Mp = fully plastic moment of
M
link section
16
e
M M
V V
Static equilibrium of link: Ve = 2M or:
2M
e
V
Shear vs. Flexural Yielding Links:
Mp Mp
Vp Vp
Shear and flexural yielding occur simultaneously
when V=Vp and M=Mp
2 Mp
or, when: e
Vp
17
shear yielding of web along
e entire length of link
M M
Vp Vp
Shear yielding will occur
V =Vp when V=Vp and M < Mp
2Mp
or, when: e
M < Mp Vp
flexural yielding at link ends
e
Mp Mp
V V
Shear yielding will occur
V <Vp when M = Mp and V < Vp
M = Mp 2Mp
or, when: e
Vp
M = Mp
18
Shear Vs. Flexural Yielding Links:
Simple Plastic Theory (assumes no strain hardening and
no shear - flexure interaction)
2Mp
SHEAR YIELDING LINK: e
Vp
2Mp
FLEXURAL YIELDING LINK: e
Vp
Link Nominal Shear Strength, Vn:
Link Nominal Shear Strength:
• Basis for sizing links
• Based on link shear at first significant
yield if link (in shear or flexure)
• Based on simple plastic theory
(neglects shear-flexure interaction)
19
Link Nominal Shear Strength, Vn:
2Mp
Vp controls for: e
Vp
Vn = lesser of
2Mp
2Mp / e controls for: e
Vp
Example: W14x82 A992
M p ZFy 139 in3 50 ksi 6950 inkips
V p 0.6 Fy d 2 t f t w
0.6 50 ksi 14 .3 2 .85 5 0.510
193 kips
Mp 6950 inkips 2Mp
36 2 36 72
Vp 193 kips Vp
20
Example: W14x82 A992
Link nominal shear strength:
Vp = 193 kips
Vn = lesser of
2Mp / e = 13,900 in-kips / e
Example: W14x82 A992
Link nominal shear strength:
e / (Mp/V p )
0 1 2 3 4 5
250
Vn=Vp
Link Nominal Shear Strength
200
150 Vn=2Mp /e
(kips)
100
50
0
0 36 72 108 144 180
Link Length e (inches)
21
Post-yield behavior of links: Strain hardening
150
Vult
100
Link Shear Force (kips)
50 Vn
0
-50
-100
-150
-0.15 -0.10 -0.05 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15
Link Rotation, (rad)
Post-yield behavior of links: Strain hardening
Effects of Strain Hardening:
• At large inelastic deformations, link shear
resistance will significantly exceed Vn
Vult ≈ (1.25 to 1.5) Vn
• Combined shear and flexural yielding will occur
over a range of link lengths.
22
Post-yield behavior of links
1.6 Mp
PREDOMINANTLY SHEAR YIELDING LINK: e
Vp
2.6 Mp
PREDOMINANTLY FLEXURAL YIELDING LINK: e
Vp
1.6 Mp 2.6 Mp
COMBINED SHEAR AND FLEXURAL YIELDING: e
Vp Vp
Example: W14x82 A992
M p ZFy 139 in3 50 ksi 6950 inkips
V p 0.6 Fy d 2 t f t w
0.6 50 ksi 14 .3 2 .85 5 0.510
193 kips
Mp 6950 inkips
36
Vp 193 kips
23
Example: W14x82 A992 (cont)
Link post-yield behavior:
Mp Mp Mp
36 1 .6 58 2 .6 94
Vp Vp Vp
PREDOMINANTLY SHEAR YIELDING LINK: e 58"
PREDOMINANTLY FLEXURAL YIELDING LINK: e 94"
COMBINED SHEAR AND FLEXURAL YIELDING LINK: 58" e 94"
Shear Yielding Links
1.6 Mp
e
Vp
Provide best overall structural performance for:
• strength
• stiffness
• ductility
24
Experimental Performance of Shear Links
V
(radian)
e
Link Deformation:
Experimental Performance of a Shear Link:
W10x33 (A992) e = 23" = 1.1 Mp/Vp
25
Experimental Performance of a Shear Link:
W10x33 (A992) e = 23" = 1.1 Mp/Vp
Experimental Performance of a Shear Link:
W10x33 (A992) e = 23" = 1.1 Mp/Vp
150
100
Link Shear Force (kips)
50
-50
-100
-150
-0.15 -0.10 -0.05 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15
Link Rotation, (rad)
26
Experimental Performance of a Shear Link:
W10x33 (A992) e = 23" = 1.1 Mp/Vp
Experimental Performance of a Shear Link:
W10x33 (A992) e = 23" = 1.1 Mp/Vp
p = 0.10 rad
150
100
Link Shear Force (kips)
50
-50
-100
-150
-0.15 -0.10 -0.05 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15
Link Plastic Rotation, p (rad)
27
Longer Links
1.6 Mp
e
Vp
Longer links provide less strength, stiffness and
ductility
Use longer links only when needed for architectural
constraints
Experimental Performance of a Flexural Yielding Link:
W12x16 (A36) e = 44" = 3.4 Mp/Vp
28
Experimental Performance of a Flexural Yielding Link:
W12x16 (A36) e = 44" = 3.4 Mp/Vp
Experimental Performance of an Intermediate (Shear and Flexural Yielding) Link:
W16x36 (A992) e = 48" = 2 Mp/Vp
29
Experimental Performance of an Intermediate (Shear and Flexural Yielding) Link:
W16x36 (A992) e = 48" = 2 Mp/Vp
200
150
Link Shear Force (kips)
100
50
-50
-100
-150
-200
-0.15 -0.1 -0.05 0 0.05 0.1 0.15
Link Rotation, (rad)
Experimentally Determined Link Plastic Rotation Capacities
0.12
Link Plastic Rotation Capacity: p (rad)
0.08
0.04
Shear +
Shear Yielding Flexure Flexural Yielding
0
0 1 2 3 4 5
Link Length: e/ (Mp/ Vp)
30
EBF Rigid-Plastic Kinematics
e
p
p
L
p p
e
31
e
p
p
L
p p
e
32
e e
e e
p
p
p
L
p p
2e
33
Design of EBFs
General Approach
1. Size links for code levels forces.
2. Size all other members and
connections for maximum forces that
can be generated by links.
3. Estimate ductility demand on links;
check that links can supply the
required ductility
4. Detail links to supply high ductility
(stiffeners and lateral bracing)
Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBFs)
• Description of Eccentrically Braced Frames
• Basic Behavior of Eccentrically Braced Frames
• AISC Seismic Provisions for Eccentrically Braced
Frames
34
2005 AISC Seismic Provisions
Section 15 Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBF)
15.1 Scope
15.2 Links
15.3 Link Stiffeners
15.4 Link-to-Column Connections
15.5 Lateral Bracing of Links
15.6 Diagonal Brace and Beam Outside of Link
15.7 Beam-to-Column Connections
15.8 Requires Strength of Columns
15.9 Protected Zone
15.10 Demand Critical Welds
AISC Seismic Provisions - EBF
15.1 Scope
Eccentrically braced frames (EBF) are expected to
withstand significant inelastic deformations in the links
when subjected to the forces resulting from the motions
of the design earthquake.
The diagonal braces, columns and beam segments
outside of the links shall be designed to remain
essentially elastic under the maximum forces that can
be generated by the fully yielded and strain hardened
links.
35
AISC Seismic Provisions - EBF
15.2 Links
15.2a Limitations
Links shall meet the requirements of Section 8.2b
The web of the link shall be single thickness. Doubler-plate
reinforcement and web penetrations are not permitted.
15.2a Limitations
Links shall meet the requirements of Section 8.2b
Width-Thickness Limits for Link Flanges and Web:
Mp
p for e 1 .6
Vp
b/t
Mp
ps for e 1. 6
Vp
36
AISC Seismic Provisions - EBF
15.2 Links
15.2b Shear Strength
Link design shear strength = Vn
= 0.9
Vp
Vn = lesser of
2Mp / e
15.2b Link Shear Strength
Sizing Link: Vu Vn
Vu = shear force in link under code
specified forces:
1.2D + 1.0E + 0.5L + 0.2S
0.9D + 1.0E
Vn = link design shear strength
37
15.2b Link Shear Strength
If Pu > 0.15 Py in link:
Vpa
Vn = lesser of
2Mpa / e
where:
P P
2
Vpa Vp 1 u M pa M p 1 u
P Py
y
P y = A Fy
and ....
15.2b Link Shear Strength
If Pu > 0.15 Py in link:
A M Aw
1.15 0.5 w 1.6 p for 0 .3
A
g Vp A
g
e
Mp Aw
1.6 for 0 .3
Vp A
g
where:
Aw d 2 t f t w
Pu
Vu
38
AISC Seismic Provisions - EBF
15.2 Links
15.2c Link Rotation Angle
The link rotation angle is the inelastic angle between the link
and the beam outside of the link when the story drift is equal
to the design story drift, Δ.
The link rotation angle shall not exceed the following values:
a) 0.08 radians for: e 1.6 Mp / Vp
b) 0.02 radians for: e 2.6 Mp / Vp
c) a value determined by linear interpolation between
the above values for: 1.6 Mp / Vp < e < 2.6 Mp / Vp
15.2c Link Rotation Angle
Design Approach to Check Link Rotation Angle, p
1. Compute elastic story drift under code specified
earthquake forces: ΔE
2. Compute Design Story Drift: Δ = Cd ΔE
(Cd = 4 for EBF)
3. Estimate Plastic Story Drift: Δp ≈ Δ
4. Compute plastic story drift angle p
p ≈ Δp / h where h = story height
5. Compute link rotation angle p based on EBF
kinematics
p = (L / e) p for common EBFs
6. Check link rotation limit per Section 15.2c
39
15.2c Link Rotation Angle
e e
p p
p p
L L
L L
p p p p
e e
e
p
e
p
L
p p p
2e
L
15.2c Link Rotation Angle
15
e
10
p
p / p
p
5 L
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
e/L
40
15.2c Link Rotation Angle
0.1
0.08
p
Maximum Permissible
0.06
0.04
0.02
Shear +
Shear Yielding Flexure Flexural Yielding
0
1.6 2.6
0 1 2 3 4 5
Non-dimensional Link Length: e / (M p /V p )
AISC Seismic Provisions - EBF
15.3 Link Stiffeners
Full-depth web stiffeners shall be provided on both sides of the
link web at the diagonal brace ends of the link.
These stiffeners shall have a combined width not less than
(bf -2tw) and a thickness not less than 0.75 tw or 3/8-inch,
whichever is larger.
41
15.3 Link Stiffeners
Link Length = e
Full depth stiffeners
on both sides
15.3 Link Stiffeners (cont)
Links shall be provided with intermediate web stiffeners as
follows:
a) Links of length e 1.6 Mp / Vp
Provide equally spaced stiffeners as follows:
• spacing 30 tw - d /5 for p = 0.08 radian
• spacing 52 tw - d /5 for p = 0.02 radian
• interpolate for 0.02 < p < 0.08 radian
42
15.3 Link Stiffeners
e 1.6 Mp / Vp Link Length = e
(Shear Yielding Links)
s s s s s
30 tw - d /5 for p = 0.08 radian
s 52 tw - d /5 for p = 0.02 radian
interpolate for 0.02 < p < 0.08 radian
tw = link web thickness d = link depth
43
44
15.3 Link Stiffeners (cont)
Links shall be provided with intermediate web stiffeners as
follows:
b) Links of length 2.6 Mp / Vp < e < 5 Mp / Vp
Provide stiffener at a distance of 1.5 bf
from each end of link
15.3 Link Stiffeners 2.6 Mp / Vp < e < 5 Mp / Vp
(Flexural Yielding Links)
Link Length = e
1.5 bf 1.5 bf
bf = link flange width
45
46
15.3 Link Stiffeners (cont)
Links shall be provided with intermediate web stiffeners as
follows:
c) Links of length 1.6 Mp / Vp < e < 2.6 Mp / Vp
Provide stiffeners meeting the
requirements of both (a) and (b)
d) Links of length e > 5 Mp / Vp
No stiffeners are required
15.3 Link Stiffeners 1.6 Mp / Vp < e < 2.6 Mp / Vp
(Shear and Flexural Yielding Links)
Link Length = e
1.5 bf 1.5 bf
s s s s
30 tw - d /5 for p = 0.08 radian
s 52 tw - d /5 for p = 0.02 radian
interpolate for 0.02 < p < 0.08 radian
47
AISC Seismic Provisions - EBF
15.4 Link-to-Column Connections
Link-to-column connections must be capable of sustaining the
maximum link rotation angle based on the length of the link, as
specified in Section 15.2c
The strength of the connection measured at the column face
shall equal at least the nominal shear strength of the link, Vn,
as specified in Section 15.2b, at the maximum link rotation
angle
48
15.4 Link-to-Column Connections
e
Link-to-column connections
Must be capable of sustaining:
p 0.08 rad. for e 1.6 Mp / Vp
p 0.02 rad. for e 2.6 Mp / Vp
e
interpolate for
1.6 Mp / Vp < e < 2.6 Mp / Vp
15.4 Link-to-Column Connections (cont)
To demonstrate conformance with link-to-column connection
performance requirements:
a) Use a Prequalified link-to-column connection in
accordance with Appendix P
or
b) Provide qualifying cyclic test results in
accordance with Appendix S
49
15.4 Link-to-Column Connections (cont)
Comments:
• Currently no prequalified link-to-column connections
• FEMA 350 or AISC 358 prequalified SMF moment
connections not necessarily suitable for link-to-
column connections
• Suggest avoiding EBF configurations with links
attached to columns until further research available on
link-to-column connections
50
15.4 Link-to-Column Connections (cont)
Exception:
The link-to-column connection need not be Prequalified or
be qualified by testing if:
• the connection is reinforced to preclude yielding within
the reinforced section of the link, and
• link length e 1.6 Mp / Vp
• full depth stiffeners are provided at interface of link and
reinforced section
51
15.4 Link-to-Column Connections
Reinforced Link-to-Column Connection
AISC Seismic Provisions - EBF
15.5 Lateral Bracing of Link
Lateral bracing shall be provided at both the top and
bottom link flanges at the ends of the link.
The required strength of each lateral brace at the link
ends shall be:
Pb 0.06
R F Z
y y Link
ho
ho = distance between link flange centroids
52
15.5 Lateral Bracing of Link
Lateral bracing required at top
and bottom link flanges at link
ends
Link Length = e
53
54
AISC Seismic Provisions - EBF
15.6 Diagonal Brace and Beam Outside of Link
The required strength of the diagonal brace and the
beam outside of the link is based on the maximum
forces that can be generated by the fully yielded and
strain hardened link.
15.6 Diagonal Brace and Beam Outside of Link
Beam outside of link
Diagonal Brace
55
Diagonal Brace and Beam Outside of Link
Vult Vult
Mult Mult
Vult Vult
Mult Mult
15.6 Diagonal Brace and Beam Outside of Link
Determining Link Ultimate Shear and End Moment for design
of diagonal brace and beam outside of link
Link Length = e
Vult Vult
Mult Mult
15.6a: For design of diagonal brace: Take Vult = 1.25 Ry Vn
15.6b: For design of beam outside of link: Take Vult = 1.1 Ry Vn
Vn = link nominal shear strength = lesser of Vp or 2 Mp / e
56
15.6 Diagonal Brace and Beam Outside of Link
Determining Link Ultimate Shear and End Moment for design
of diagonal brace and beam outside of link
Link Length = e
Vult Vult
Mult Mult
Given Vult , determine Mult from link equilibrium:
e Vult
Mult (assumes link end moment equalize)
2
15.6 Diagonal Brace and Beam Outside of Link
57
AISC Seismic Provisions - EBF
15.6c Bracing Connections
The required strength of brace connections, at both ends of
the brace, shall be at least equal to the required strength of
diagonal the brace.
Brace connections shall also satisfy Section13.3c.
13.3c: The required axial compressive strength of the brace
connections shall be at least 1.1 Ry Pn of the brace,
where: Pn = nominal compressive strength of brace
15.6c Bracing Connections
Vult
Mult
Bracing Connections
• Design for forces (P and M)
generated in brace by Vult and
Mult of link
• Also check for axial
compression force of 1.1 Ry Pn
of brace
• No need to provide "fold line,"
since braces are not designed
to buckle, as in SCBF
58
Bracing Connections - Typical Details
59
60
61
62
63
AISC Seismic Provisions - EBF
15.7 Beam-to-Column Connections
Beam-to-column connections away from links:
Provide simple framing ("pinned" connection).............R=7 per ASCE-7
Provide moment resisting connection............................R=8 per ASCE-7
Moment resisting beam-to-column connections
must satisfy requirements for OMF (Section 11)
15.7 Beam-to-Column Connections
Beam-to-column connections
away from links:
Simple Framing: R=7
Moment Resisting
Connections (design per
OMF requirements): R=8
64
AISC Seismic Provisions - EBF
15.8 Required Strength of Columns
The required strength of columns in EBF is based on the
maximum forces generated by the fully yielded and strain
hardened links.
15.8 Required Strength of Columns Vult Vult
Mult Mult
Column Required Strength =
forces generated in column when all
links above level under Vult Vult
consideration have developed their Mult Mult
ultimate shear resistance (Vult) and
their ultimate flexural resistance
(Mult).
Vult Vult
Take Vult = 1.1 Ry Vn for each link. Mult Mult
65
AISC Seismic Provisions - EBF
15.9 Protected Zone
Links in EBF are protected zones, and shall satisfy
requirements of Section 7.4:
• no shear studs
• no deck attachments that penetrate beam flange
(screws, shot pins)
• no welded, bolted, screwed or shot in attachments for
perimeter edge angles, exterior facades, partitions,
duct work, piping, etc.
Welding is permitted in link for stiffeners
15.9 Protected Zone
Protected Zones
66
AISC Seismic Provisions - EBF
15.10 Demand Critical Welds
CJP Groove welds attaching the link flanges and the
link web to the column are demand critical welds, and
shall satisfy the requirements of Section 7.3b.
CVN Requirements:
20 ft-lbs at - 200 F and
40 ft-lbs at 700F
Section 15 Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBF)
15.1 Scope
15.2 Links
15.3 Link Stiffeners
15.4 Link-to-Column Connections
15.5 Lateral Bracing of Links
15.6 Diagonal Brace and Beam Outside of Link
15.7 Beam-to-Column Connections
15.8 Requires Strength of Columns
15.9 Protected Zone
15.10 Demand Critical Welds
67
