The rotational fixity of column base connections in Steel Moment Resisting Frames (SMRFs) strongly influences their seismic response. However, approaches for estimating base fixity have been validated only against laboratory test data. These approaches are examined based on strong motion recordings from four instrumented SMRF buildings in California to informbest practices for seismic response simulation. These buildings represent...

Steel Moment Resisting Frames (SMRFs) are very popular lateral load resisting systems in many seismically active regions. However, their seismic response is strongly dependent on the rotational fixity of column base connections. Despite many studies (both experimental and numerical) in this particular area, available approaches for estimating column base flexibility have been validated only against laboratory test data. In the...

Pillar jib cranes are often mounted to existing floors with the use of an intermediate anchorage steel plate instead of using independent foundations, what is shown in the figure. Standards for steel design provide only basic rules for the design of such an intermediate plate. This study presents a simple design approach by using a numerical model in order to analyze different parameters that have significant influence in the anchorage...

Lateral stiffness of nonstructural components may significantly influence the initial stiffness of the entire structure and consequently alter its dynamic characteristics. While methods for simulating structural members are well-established, approaches for modeling nonstructural components that also participate in seismic response are notably less developed. In this paper a simplified, physically-intuitive approach for estimating...

Column-base connections in steel moment-resisting frames (SMFs) in seismic regions are commonly designed to develop the capacity of adjoining column with an intent to develop a plastic hinge in the column member, rather than in the connection (i.e., a strong-base design). Recent research has shown base connections to possess high ductility, indicating that this practice may be not only expensive but also unnecessary. This suggests...