Numerical Analysis of the Seismic Performance of Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBFs) in Earthquake-Resistant Steel Structures with Modified Plate Stiffener Patterns in the Link Element

Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBFs) are structural systems comprising beams, columns, and diagonal braces.The configuration isolates a short beam segment (termed a "link") at brace ends.These frames are engineered to concentrate inelastic deformation within the links during seismic events, making the system's seismic resilience critically dependent on link integrity.This study investigates how variations in plate stiffener configurations within shear link components influence the earthquakeresistant behavior of EBF structures.The study used a finite element method to model the specimens as shell elements.The test specimen model used in this study consists of a single beam and a shear link integrated into an EBF structural system.The specimens experienced controlled static, monotonous, and cyclic loading through displacement.Modifications made to the shear link are changes to the shape of the stiffeners on the web of the IWF profile, namely by adjusting the stiffeners' spacing and changing the stiffener plate's pattern to a diagonal arrangement.The study observed specific seismic parameters associated with the EBF structural system performance, including the strength, stiffness, ductility, as well as the capacity of energy dissipation for each test specimen.The obtained test results reveal a substantial performance disparity in shear links when utilized within single beams as opposed to their integration within EBF structural systems, highlighting the practical implications of the design and construction of earthquake-resistant steel structures.