Performance Control and Efficient Design of Rocking-Wall Moment Frames

Abstract

Rocking-wall moment frames (RWMFs) are unique, lateral resisting structures in which the shear wall pivots about its pinned base rather than act as a fixed base, upright cantilever. The function of the wall is to prevent soft-story failure, reduce drift concentration, and provide suitable supports for energy-dissipating devices. However, despite their favorable seismic performance, their practical design aspects have not been fully addressed in the literature. This paper proposes a new approach based on the principles of design-led analysis. It provides a lucid study of the analytic components and inner workings of RWMFs as efficient lateral resisting systems. While complementing existing literature on the subject, this study presents several interesting findings and useful design conclusions. For instance, it points out that under certain circumstances, neither the rocking wall nor its appendages can influence the ultimate carrying capacity of the frame. The proposed solutions are entirely suitable for manual as well as spreadsheet applications.