Performance-based seismic design of staggered truss frames with friction dampers

In this study performance-based seismic design procedure for staggered truss frames with friction dampers in the vierendeel panels was developed and their seismic performance was evaluated. To this end 6- and 12-story analysis model structures with friction dampers were designed using the capacity design procedure. For comparison the same structures without dampers were designed following the strength based approach specified in the ASCE 7–13, and the seismic performances of all model structures were compared. Fragility analyses were carried out to evaluate the seismic safety of the model structures and to validate the response modification factor used for seismic design. Analysis results showed that the capacity design method leaded to the formation of plastic hinges concentrated at vierendeel panels. It was also observed that the substitution of rotational friction dampers at the location of plastic hinges resulted in enhanced ductility and reduced probability of failure when the structures were subjected to design level seismic load.