ON THE STEEL PLATE SHEAR WALLS AS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR STEEL BRACED FRAMES THROUGH THE BENEFIT TO COST APPROACH

In spite of being one of the most promising earthquake-resisting structural systems, little attention is paid to the application of steel plate shear walls (SPSWs) as a structural system in the developing countries. There is also shortage in determining their R-value in the majority of seismic design codes. In order for a designer to make a decision on selection any structural system, it is necessary to compare the construction cost accompanied with that system. In thispaper a typical designed steel braced frame is considered. The building is analyzed and designed with steel plate shear walls as an alternative through numerical methods. Various existing design methods are considered and the obtained results from each are discussed. The selection of structural members in the system is investigated through the obtained finite element procedures and engineering judgment. A benefit to cost evaluation is implemented considering the construction costs and seismic performances of the two structural systems in practical situations. The obtained results can be useful for designers and engineers looking for a better knowledge in designing such structural systems.