The Earthquake Engineering Online ArchiveDesign considerations for shear links in eccentrically braced framesMalley, James O.; Popov, Egor P. UCB/EERC-83/24, Earthquake Engineering Research Center, University of California, Berkeley, 1983-11, 126 pages (530/M224/1983) This study addresses three aspects of shear link behavior critical to the economical design of an eccentrically braced frame which employs shear links: the sensitivity of link behavior to the imposed loading history, the link-column connection detail, and the web stiffener design and details. Results for twelve full-size shear link specimens are presented. Each of the specimens was designed to investigate specific shear link response characteristics. Four specimens were tested with stiffener details which differed significantly from those of previous experiments and early design applications. Another set of four specimens were designed and tested with widely varying loading histories. A set of four specimens which employed conventional moment resisting connection details were also tested. The qualitative and quantitative results of these experiments are compared and analyzed using energy dissipation capacity as a major parameter. Test conclusions and design recommendations are presented. A practical method for web stiffener design is developed which considers both the axial force and bending rigidity requirements which shear link web stiffeners must satisfy. An example of the method is given in an appendix. A design procedure for eccentrically braced frames which employ shear links is outlined, based on the major considerations of shear link design. This procedure includes recommendations on the determination of structural configuration, member sizes, link-connection details, and web stiffener sizes and details. The suggested connection and stiffener details are illustrated. Available online: http://nisee.berkeley.edu/documents/EERC/EERC-83-24.pdf (7 MB) |
