Earthquake Simulation Tests of a Low-Rise Metal Structure

Keywords: Steel Gable Frames,  Seismic Performance, Earthquake Simulation, Shaking Table, Knee Brace, and Structural Retrofit.

Abstract: In the United States, design of steel gable frames normally follows the guidelines of the American Institute of Steel Construction for assumed wind and gravity loads. In this study, a pinned-base steel gable frame structure composed of prismatic members was so designed, and its seismic behavior was investigated using the shaking table. The structure was tested well into the inelastic range so that its ultimate lateral strength could be evaluated and quantified. It was observed that pinned-base steel gable frames designed according to the AISC specifications under normal gravity and wind loads would not perform satisfactorily under strong earthquake ground motions when measured by the limitations specified by UBC and ATC. The feasibility and efficiency of structural retrofit was observed for one type of knee brace. This initial investigation suggests that much subsequent strength and ductility can be achieved for the type of structure studied.