ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: An overview is presented of some previous theoretical research results for reinforced concrete frames provided with hysteretic energy dissipating devices (EDD’s). Attention is focused on the methods for the evaluation of the seismic vulnerability of the systems of interest, and some results are presented about the sensitivity of the seismic reliability and performance functions to the contribution of the EDD’s to the lateral strength and stiffness of multistory frames. The process of structural damage accumulation resulting from the action of sequences of seismic excitations is taken into account in the assessment of life-cycle system reliability and performance, and in the formulation of reliability and optimization criteria and methods for the establishment of structural design requirements and for the adoption of repair and maintenance strategies. Problems related to the transformation of research results into practically applicable seismic design criteria are briefly discussed. Several illustrative examples are presented.
