Comparison of Seismic Performance of Steel Moment Frames Designed by PBPD and FBD Methods

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engi-neering, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

2 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

Abstract

In recent years, performance-based plastic design (PBPD) has gained attention as an efficient approach to achieving seismic design objectives. However, this method mainly focuses on drift control as the primary performance objective, and the other parameters, such as residual drift and peak floor acceleration, is not directly considered in the design process. Given that residual drifts, the formation of yield mechanisms, and peak floor acceleration are of particular importance in the seismic performance evaluation of structures, this study investigates the seismic performance of steel Moment-Resisting Frames (MRFs) designed using the PBPD method, considering these responses in addition to drift, and compares the results with those designed using the Force-Based Design (FBD) method. To this end, three steel moment-resisting frames with 4, 8, and 12 stories were designed using both PBPD and FBD methods, and the seismic performance of the designed frames was evaluated through nonlinear dynamic analysis at two seismic levels: Design Basis Earthquake (DBE) and Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE). The results indicate that in PBPD frames, the drift criterion was satisfied at both DBE and MCE levels, whereas FBD frames failed to adequately control drift at certain stories. Furthermore, the PBPD method demonstrates superior performance in achieving the residual drift and predetermined yield mechanisms at both seismic levels. A comparison of frame weights reveals that frames designed using the PBPD method exhibit a weight increase ranging from approximately 21 to 29 percent compared to those designed using the FBD method.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 20 September 2026

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