A comparative study on ductility and energy dissipation capacity of SMRF and V-EBF systems

Special Moment Resisting Frame (SMRF) is one of the most well-known and practical Seismic Force Resisting Systems (SFRSs) with a high range of ductility and energy dissipation as well as with the capability of providing enough space for the architectural design purpose of buildings or other structures. One of the most important deficiencies of this system is the matter of controlling its maximum drift against the lateral force of earthquakes. So, it results in a non-economical design especially in tall buildings. Eccentrically Braced Frame with Vertical link beam (V-EBF) is almost a new Seismic Force Resisting System in which the vertical link beam has the role of the ductile member with a wide range of ductility and energy dissipation capacity. In this paper, the ductility and energy dissipation capacity of the SMRF and V-EBF systems are compared. For this purpose, a number of one-story one-bay frames with these two systems with different characteristics are analysed by non-linear finite element method under quasi-static cyclic loading and the results are compared.