Preference of Hybrid Steel Frame with Exclusive Seismic Performance Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process

ABSTRACT

The hybrid steel frame is a new laterally resistant steel frame composed of rigid and semi-rigid connections. The objective of this study is to select a hybrid frame with an appropriate seismic performance based on a multi-criteria decision-making approach. The seismic performance of different patterns and positions of semi-rigid connections within the selected frames is examined. Static, cyclic and nonlinear dynamic analyses are conducted on the selected frames. The Analytic Hierarchy Process is then used to evaluate the performance of the frames. The results indicate that the hybrid frame can offer an enhanced performance in comparison with rigid frames if the hybrid frame is well proportioned.

KEYWORDS:

• Hybrid steel frame
• seismic performance
• semi-rigid connection
• rigid steel frame
• analytic Hierarchy Process