ABSTRACT
This paper presents the results of a series of parametric studies performed to evaluate the behavior factors of some typical for the Bulgarian construction practice steel moment resisting frames. Several frames are designed according to current Bulgarian codes and the capacity design procedure of EC8. Their behaviour factors are evaluated by the modified version of the Akiyama-Kato energy based method. Static pushover analysis with assumed load distribution is made for obtaining of story stiffness and yield shear forces. Time history response analysis for several acceleration records is performed aiming to obtain the critical value of cumulated story ductility ratio. Some comparison with experimental results of six full-scale specimens tested in the Steel Structures Research Laboratory of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (UACEG), Sofia, are carried out. Parameters that influence q-factors are discussed and some conclusions are drawn.
