Seismic Behavior and Design of Boundary Frame Members of Steel Plate Shear Walls

Keywords: Steel plate shear walls (SPSW).  Seismic performance.  Vertical boundary elements (VBE).  Analytical models.  Horizontal boundary elements (HBE).  Plastic mechanism.  Earthquake-resistant designs.

Abstract: This report presents the results of an analytical study to investigate the behavior of horizontal and vertical boundary frame members that may impact the performance of Steel Plate Shear Walls (SPSW).  New analytical models were developed for horizontal boundary frame members to calculate the plastic moment and resulting strength reduction caused by biaxial internal stress conditions, and to revisit and develop improved capacity design procedures that account for these reduced plastic moments.  The models incorporate observations made in a companion experimental study.  Next, the adequacy of a flexibility limit for the design of vertical boundary frame members specified in current design codes was assessed using the new models.  The contribution of the boundary frame moment resisting action and infill panel tension field action to the overall plastic strength of SPSWs was investigated.