Gustavo Cortes

Analytical Investigation of Steel Slit Panels for Lateral Resistance of Steel Frame Buildings

The Steel Slit Panel (SSP) is studied for its viability as a lateral force resisting system (LFRS) for regions of high seismicity. Anticipated benefits for the SSP are architectural flexibility, as well as repair and retrofit possibilities. This paper is focused on the stiffness of the SSP frames, since it depends not only on the SSP but also on the beams bounding the panels, the position in the bay, the thickness of the panel, and other factors. The stiffness has been studied by means of finite element models (FEM). A methodology for the calculation of the stiffness is in development.

Framing Strategies for Robustness in Steel Buildings

This paper presents a summary of an ongoing research studying framing strategies to increase the robustness in steel buildings by using stiff stories that can limit deformations capable of causing fracture and other undesirable limit states in cases of column loss. A catalog of buildings that incorporate stiff-story concepts is first presented. Buildings catalogued used the stiff-story concepts for architectural reasons or land space limitations rather than for increased robustness. Two buildings adapted from this catalog were further analyzed for column loss; the analysis and results for one building are presented. Linear static alternate path analyses according to the UFC 4-023-03 guidelines were performed and are presented. Nonlinear static analyses are in progress. Results from the linear static alternate path analysis showed that only five members were overstressed. However, only a few modifications were required to satisfy the UFC guidelines, proving the potential of the stiff-story solutions to resist column loss.

Lateral Resistance Using Steel Slit Panel Frames (SSPFs)

The Steel Slit Panel Frame (SSPF) system is a new Lateral Force Resisting System (LFRS) intended for zones of high seismicity. Its main components are: steel beams and columns simply connected, and steel slit panels (SSPs) which provide the strength, lateral stiffness and energy dissipation. SSPs are made from a steel plate; rows of vertical slits at equidistant spaces are cut, forming a series of links in between the slits. When the panel is subjected to horizontal displacement, the links behave as beams in double curvature, dissipating energy in flexure. When properly designed, the SSPs do not require heavy stiffening to control out-of-plane deformations. This paper provides an overview of the design process required for using a SSPF.