Title: Evaluation of deflection amplification factor for steel structures containing linked-columns-frame system under seismic scenarios with/without sequences of earthquakes

Authors: Yaser Golestani; Elham Rajabi; Reza Rajabi Soheyli

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, Tafresh University, Tafresh, Iran ' Department of Civil Engineering, Tafresh University, Tafresh, Iran; Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Fluids and Environmental Research Group, Tafresh University, Tafresh 39518-79611, Iran ' Department of Civil Engineering, Tafresh University, Tafresh, Iran

Abstract: Since the linked-columns-frame (LCF) system is a relatively novel dual lateral force resisting system, numerous seismic examinations still remains essential. This paper examines the deflection amplification factor (C_d) of LCFs. To this end, 31-LCF structures were subjected to linear/nonlinear dynamic and static analysis. Then Cd and C_d/R were obtained based on the length, behaviour of the shear/flexural link beam and the strain hardening ratio of the columns. Moreover, due to the high damage potential of successive earthquakes, the effects of critical seismic sequences were particularly investigated. After performing over 5,000 nonlinear analysis, the results indicated the variation of C_d factor in the height, its dependency on the flexural/shear behaviour, and the link beam length, as well as the negligible effect of the seismic sequences compared to single earthquakes on the average of C_d factor. A value between 6.5~10.0 was proposed for C_d factor of the typical buildings containing LCFs.

Keywords: deflection amplification factor; C_d; linked-columns-frame; LCF; critical seismic sequences; nonlinear dynamic analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTRUCTE.2025.148373

International Journal of Structural Engineering, 2025 Vol.15 No.3, pp.232 - 260

Received: 14 Aug 2024
Accepted: 26 Jun 2025
Published online: 02 Sep 2025 *

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