ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The use of concentric braced frames (CBF) in seismic areas has been dissuaded by the past codes because of non-ductile behavior of this structural typology during large cyclic deformations in the post-buckling range. Only in the last twenty years this typology has been included in the class of ‘ductile structures’ by major codes, and the relevant code design provisions have been subjected to significant changes. In this paper the design procedure and the governing design parameters for CBF are examined with reference to European and Italian seismic codes; some case studies (3 and 6 storey CBF buildings) are designed, both in high and low seismic zone, and the effect of some design choices (i.e. number of CBF bays) is discussed and evaluated in terms of structural weight and design overstrength.
