Prediction of the ultimate capacity of wide flange link beams under cyclic loading

The objective of this investigation is to develop an analytical model to evaluate the seismic performance of the active links in eccentrically braced frames. The ADINA finite element computer code is used to gain insight into the behaviour of the links under cyclic loading. An available experimental set-up and testing program was modelled. It was found that it is possible to develop a simple yet effective finite element approach to model the very complex behaviour of the links. Comparison between analytical predictions and available experimental results showed good agreement.