Evaluation of deflection amplification factor for steel structures containing linked-columns-frame system under seismic scenarios with/without sequences of earthquakes

Since the linked-columns-frame (LCF) system is a relatively novel dual lateral force resisting system, numerous seismic examinations still remains essential. This paper examines the deflection amplification factor (Cd) of LCFs. To this end, 31-LCF structures were subjected to linear/nonlinear dynamic and static analysis. Then Cd and Cd/R were obtained based on the length, behaviour of the shear/flexural link beam and the strain hardening ratio of the columns. Moreover, due to the high damage potential of successive earthquakes, the effects of critical seismic sequences were particularly investigated. After performing over 5,000 nonlinear analysis, the results indicated the variation of Cd factor in the height, its dependency on the flexural/shear behaviour, and the link beam length, as well as the negligible effect of the seismic sequences compared to single earthquakes on the average of Cd factor. A value between 6.5~10.0 was proposed for Cd factor of the typical buildings containing LCFs.