ECCENTRICALLY BRACED FRAMES.

Abstract

This paper considers the provisions to be made when designing eccentrically braced frames to meet the philosophy of design embodied in two possible means of compliance to the NZ Loadings Code. Eccentrically braced frames should be considered as ductile structures with the inelastic deformation and energy absorption being confined to the regions of joint eccentricity, where it is possible to ensure that these actions may take place without adversely affecting the strength and overall stability of the structure. A capacity design approach that considers the overall collapse mechanism provides a means of determining the actions within the other members of the frames while the shear zones are yielding. Subjects covered include existing codes requirements, shear zones, capacity design, protected elements, and eccentric K and Z frames.