Expected Seismic Behavior of Older Steel Structures

Abstract

Older steel structures frequently require seismic rehabilitation, but the inelastic seismic behavior of these older structures is not well understood. A joint research study between the U. of Washington, U. of Minnesota, and Preece/Goudie and Associates examined this behavior. The study included experimental and analytical studies, and this paper is an overview of the research and the more important research results. It provides a concise summary of the rather extensive research program, and the research results are correlated to real structural behavior. This correlation includes evaluation and comparison with behavior observed during past earthquakes. The paper will help the reader understand the performance of the total structural system will provide valuable insight for engineers starting a repair or retrofit project, and it will isolate potential problem areas to be considered in rehabilitation projects.