ABSTRACT
This paper is concerned with assessing the effects of different framing layouts on the seismic
1 INTRODUCTION
Two main framing configurations have been traditionally used in Japan and Europe (as well as in North America). Japanese engineers often adopt a two-way framing layout in which the structure consists of 3D beam-column assemblages designed to resist the simultaneous action of seismic and gravity loads (Tawaga et al., 2008). On the other hand, it is common practice in current design procedures within European and American seismic codes to differentiate between primary and secondary resisting systems, and to concentrate efforts on providing adequate lateral strength and ductility to the primary system. Nevertheless, secondary/gravity frames (which do not provide a significant contribution in terms of initial base shear/stiffness) typically exhibit large elastic deformations; hence if properly designed, they can significantly enhance the post/elastic response of the overall structure (Kiggins and Uang, 2006, Málaga-Chuquitaype & Elghazouli, 2010).
