Investigating Cost-Efficiency and Seismic Performance of Design Methods for Steel Special Frames

ESER H., HASANÇEBİ O., Gholizadeh S.

International Journal of Steel Structures, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s13296-026-01056-9
  • Dergi Adı: International Journal of Steel Structures
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, Compendex, INSPEC
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Cost-efficiency, Direct analysis method, Effective length method, Seismic performance assessment, Steel special frames, Structural optimization
  • Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study investigates and compares the relative cost-efficiency and seismic performance of two stability design approaches: the effective length method (ELM) and the direct analysis method (DM). Four steel special frames are first optimized for minimum weight under both design approaches using a recently developed design-driven optimization technique called capacity controlled search (CCS). The constraints governing each design, such as demand-to-capacity ratios and inter-story drift constraint ratios, are identified and presented. Subsequently, the seismic performance of the optimum designs is assessed by a nonlinear static procedure in compliance with ASCE/SEI 41-13. Finally, the results are compared to identify which stability design method leads to more economical and seismically resilient designs in general.