Torsional mechanisms in ductile building systems

Abstract

It is postulated that in order to estimate torsional effects on the seismic response of ductile building structures, the associated plastic mechanism to be developed in the three-dimensional system should be identified. The proposed appraoch is very different from the embodied in building codes. Inelastic structures are classified as either torsionally unrestrained or restrained. It is shown that clearly defined mechanisms that are to be mobilized, enable the acceptable system ductility demand to be estimated. This should ensure that the corresponding demands imposed on critical translatory elements of the system do not exceed their established displacement ductility capacity. To this end familiar quantities, such as element yield displacement and stiffness, are redefined. Comparisons are made of the intents of existing codified design approaches and those emphasising the role of imposed inelastic displacements. A simple treatment of the consequences of earthquake-induced inelastic skew displacements is also addressed. The primary aim of the paper is to offer very simple concepts, based on easily identifiable plastic mechanisms, to be utilized in structural design rather than advancement in analyses. Detailed design applications of these concepts are described elsewhere. The approach is an extension of the deterministic philosophy of capacity design, now used in some countries.