Energy based performance analysis of structures

The aim of this study is to offer a calculation method by using the energy balance for the design of new structures ensuring the target performance level.In the structural design method within the study, the energy balance in structure systems is investigated by considering the inelastic behavior of the structural members and target drift concept. Strong column weak beam yield mechanism is considered in the design method. The aim of the selected global yield mechanism is to prevent total collapse of the structure with remaining stable columns even if the hinges occur in the beams during an earthquake. The total design base shear force for structure systems is determined based on the energy balance of the selected global yield mechanism. The structural system is dimensioned according to the earthquake forces which are determined with considering the inelastic behavior of the structural members and which are obtained from energy equations. In the beginning of the design, performance level of the structure is determined priorly with choosing of a target displacement.In the calculation method within the thesis, the target displacement is aimed to be obtained designing structures with the only existing energy based method without using other nonlinear calculation methods. Therefore pushover analyses are applied to the structures that are designed with the energy based method and capacity curves of the structures are obtained. After determination of target displacements with the methods used in the determination of structural performance, structures are pushed to these displacements. Target displacements that are selected in the beginning of the energy based design method are checked with obtaining interstory drift limits of the structures.