Experimental Investigation on the Behavior of Frames with and without Bracing under Horizontal Loading

Abstract

Experiments are here conducted to determine the general behavior of steel frames under horizontal loading. Portal frames and one span two storied frames with and without bracing are tested by the application of monotonous and repeated horizontal loads. The influence of the compression bracing with a relatively large cross section on the restoring force characteristics of the whole frame, the relation between displacement amplitude and stiffness deterioration of the frame and the rate of energy absorption due to plastic deformation are discussed.