Journal of South China University of Technology(Natural Science Edition) ›› 2025, Vol. 53 ›› Issue (12): 94-106.doi: 10.12141/j.issn.1000-565X.240596

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Lateral Resistance of Multi-Storey Steel Frame with Sparse Chevron Bracings

HE Liang1, XU Zhaoyu2, SHEN Wenjie1, TONG Genshu3, LIU Zhixin1, ZHANG Lei3   

  1. 1.Anhui Architectural Design and Research Institute Co. ,Ltd. ,Heifei 230000,Anhui,China
    2.Nanxun Innovation Institute,Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power,Hangzhou 310018,Zhejiang,China
    3.Institute of Advanced Engineering Structures,Zhejiang University,Hangzhou 310058,Zhejiang,China
  • Received:2024-12-25 Online:2025-12-25 Published:2025-07-01
  • Contact: 许照宇(1993—),男,博士,讲师,主要从事钢结构稳定理论研究。 E-mail:xuzhaoyu@zju.edu.cn
  • About author:何亮(1979—),男,正高级工程师,主要从事钢结构设计研究。E-mail: 5996928@qq.com
  • Supported by:
    the Key Program of the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province(LZ22E080004)

Abstract:

This study conducts an in-depth investigation into the lateral resistance of multi-storey steel frames with sparse chevron bracing. By combining finite element analysis and theoretical derivation, the mechanical behaviour of structures with under-strengthened beams and its influence on lateral resistance are systematically examined. Through elastoplastic pushover analysis, the accuracy of the series-parallel theoretical model for dual lateral force-resisting systems is validated, and the variation of bracing internal forces with inter-story drift angle is revealed. Finite element results indicate that the stiffness and strength of beams significantly influence the development of tensile brace forces after buckling of the compressive brace. As a secondary lateral force-resisting system, the frame effectively compensates for the degradation in load-bearing capacity after brace buckling. In addition, the composite effect of the slab effective width and steel beam notably enhances the flexural stiffness of beam, thereby facilitating the development of tensile brace forces, and reducing the degradation of load-bearing capacity after compressive brace buckling. For rigid frame-chevron bracing structures with inadequately strengthened beams, under the combined action of lateral displacement and unbalanced forces, plastic hinges in the beam initially form at the beam end on the compressive brace side, followed by the mid-span of the beam. Based on this failure mode, formulas for calculating tensile brace forces and beam unbalanced forces are derived, demonstrating high accuracy. The study indicates that even when beams do not meet the sufficient strengthening requirements specified in Clause 8.2.6-2 of the Code for Seismic Design of Buildings, the overall load-bearing capacity does not deteriorate with increasing lateral displacement, provided that the frame contributes a relatively high proportion of lateral resistance. This ensures structural safety under seismic actions with an intensity of 7 degrees (0.1g). The proposed calculation method for beam unbalanced forces provides a new approach to optimizing chevron-braced frame design, avoiding the problem of excessively large beam depths in traditional design, and offering important theoretical support and practical guidance for engineering applications.

Key words: chevron bracing, dual lateral resistance structure, stiffness of the beam, effective width of the slab, bracing internal forces

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