Seismic response of MR steel frames with low-yield steel shear panels

Non-linear dynamic analyses examining the seismic response of moment resisting (MR) steel frames enhanced with low-yield steel shear panels are presented. Shear panels, which act as damping and stiffening devices, are schematised as equivalent bracing elements having a suitable hysteretic behaviour. For this purpose, an analytical model is set up and calibrated on the basis of available experimental tests. A parametric analysis is therefore carried out varying several parameters of shear panels, namely strength, stiffness, ductility and hysteretic behaviour, aiming at determining those factors having the major impact on the seismic response of the frame. Obtained results show that the considered design procedure is really effective and convenient, low-yield steel shear panels providing an apparent reduction of storey deflection and damage level of the primary structure.