Evaluation of the Design Procedures of the Linked Column Frame System and improving its Seismic Behavior using Double Linked Column Pattern

The linked column frame (LCF) as a seismic resistant system with the ductile behavior using shear fuse will reduce the damage to other members of the structure at different hazard levels. In this paper, the seismic behavior of the LCF systems designed by Shoaib and Malakoutian procedures has been evaluated. In order to improve the seismic performance of the designed samples, a new and optimal system with the pattern of the double linked columns has been proposed. For this purpose, a 3-story model of SAC buildings with two linked beam bays and four- moment frame bays has been designed by the procedures. The studied models include: 1-The model designed by Malakoutian procedure (MaM), 2- The model designed by Shoaib procedure (ShM) and 3- The LCF with double-linked column pattern (DLCF). Models have been evaluated using incremental dynamic analyses according to FEMAP695 instructions in OPENSEES. The results show that the model designed by Shoaib procedure (ShM) has “50%” and 14% more capacity than the model designed by Malakoutian procedure and the DLCF model respectively. Also the average link beam capacity in the ShM model is “50%” higher than the MaM model. Finally the results show that compared to the MaM model the new pattern of the linked column in the DLCF model has considerably increased the structure’s capacity, the link beam capacity in energy absorption and base shear capacity by an average of 30%.