研究期間：10108~10207;Steel structures possess high strength and significant ductility, thus are effective structural forms for earthquake-resistant designs. Structural designs using special moment resisting frames (SMRF) are usually considered when high ductility is required. However, applications of such designs are sometimes limited when story drift is a concern. In order to improve the seismic performance of the structures, a modified structure adopting knee braces, namely knee-braced moment resisting frame (KBRF), is proposed. The effectiveness of the KBRF is governed by the dimensions and the geometric placements of the knee braces. In order to adequately evaluate the performance of the KBRF, the relationships between the system and the knee braces must be defined. This study is focused on the performance evaluation of KBRF structures with self-centering beam-to-column connections. A series of cyclic loading tests will be conducted on the SMRF and self-centering KBRF structures with difference arrangement of self-centering connections to investigate their seismic behavior. Test results will be used to evaluate the seismic performance and to establish the design guides of the proposed KBRF structures.
