Continuum Analysis Approach for Rocking Core-Moment Frames

Abstract

Rocking core-moment frame (RCMF) combinations are structural assemblies that are capable of collapse prevention, recentering, avoiding soft story failure, and large residual deformation. Although several such systems have been proposed, few studies have quantified RCMFs behavior under lateral loadings. This paper proposes closed-form solutions for the rapid study of RCMFs subjected to three typical lateral load patterns using a continuum method of analysis. An extensive parametric study examines the effects of base fixity, relative frame-to-core stiffness, and type of loading profile. Independent computer analyses verify the validity and accuracy of the proposed formulas. The proposed formulas are applicable to linear-static analysis and preliminary design of low-rise to mid-rise RCMFs with relatively uniform properties over the height.