Investigation of dynamic behavior of steel frame systems modeled by using shell elements

In this study, moment resisting frames, concentrically and eccentrically braced steel frames are modeled by using shell elements are analysed using time history analyses which can be constituted of one dimensional elements. In the study, the column-beam connections of the frames are modeled by using non linear link elements. For this purpose, moment resisting frames and different types of cocentrically and eccentrically braced steel frames are modeled and analysed with SAP2000 program. In the study the dynamic behavior of moment resisting frame, concentrically and eccentrically braced steel frames are investigated considered of one, two and three stories with one span. The span length and story heights are taken 7.60m and 4.0m respectively and the finite element of 3 moment resisting frames, 3 concentrically diagonal braced frames, 3 concentrically chevron braced frames, 15 eccentrically diagonal braced frames and 15 eccentrically chevron braced frames are formed.Nonlinear gap elements are used with the aim of transfering the stresses between the shell elements which are at the same plane. In SAP2000 program the bolts are described as one dimensional elements. The necesarry adjustments are performed in SAP2000 program to ensure these elements to bear only axial tension force.This thesis consists of five chapters. In the first chapter, a literature survey associated with concentrically and eccentrically braced steel frames, general information about steel structures, design of earthquake resisting structures and linear and nonlinear equation of dynamic motion in time history case are given. In the second chapter, the details of column-beam connection in high ductility steel frame systems, modeling of connection areas in SAP2000 and the finite element models considered in the study are given. The third chapter is consist of the findings and the examination of these findings which are obtained from the analyses. The results and suggestions obtained from this thesis are given in the fourth chapter. Finally, the references are presented in the fifth chapter.