A Novel Ductile Energy Dissipation Device to Enhance the Seismic Performance of Chevron Braced Frames in the Near-Fault Region

Authors

  • Seyyed Masoud Momeni * Director of the Housing Foundation of the Islamic Revolution, Ramsar, Iran.
  • Heydar Dashti Naserabadi Department of Civil Engineering, Chalous Branch, Islamic Azad University, Chalous, Iran.
  • Ghasem Gorji Bandpey Department of Civil Engineering, Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, Babol, Iran.
  • Hossein Alaei Department of Civil Engineering, Qaemshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr, Iran. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3557-1079

https://doi.org/10.48314/jcase.v3i2.80

Abstract

Concentrically Braced Frames (CBFs), particularly Chevron (inverted-V) bracing, are popular lateral load-resisting systems in steel structures due to their high stiffness and architectural adaptability. However, their seismic performance is often compromised by the premature buckling of the compressive brace under severe ground motions, leading to an unbalanced force in the beam and potential structural collapse. This study introduces and evaluates a novel, ductile energy dissipation element designed to act as a structural "fuse" to improve the behavior of Chevron Braced Frames (CBF), especially in the near-fault region. Six geometric configurations of the proposed element were first modeled and analyzed using the ABAQUS finite element software to determine the optimal dimensions and force-displacement characteristics. Subsequently, three 2D steel frames (12, 18, and 23 stories) with and without the proposed element were subjected to nonlinear time-history analysis in SAP2000. Three near-fault ground motion records (Kobe, Northridge, and Loma Prieta) were used for the analysis. The results demonstrate that the proposed element significantly enhances the seismic performance of the frames. Compared to conventional  CBF, the novel system reduced the average base shear by 45%, average roof acceleration by 40%, and average brace axial force by 60%. Furthermore, the proposed element successfully concentrated all inelastic deformations within itself, preventing plastic hinge formation in the main structural members (beams, columns, and braces), ensuring a more resilient and damage-controllable structure.

Keywords:

Chevron brace, Ductile element, Energy dissipation, Near-fault earthquake, Nonlinear dynamic analysis, Steel frame

References

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Published

2026-04-30

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): Journal of Civil Aspects and Structural Engineering

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Momeni, S. M., Naserabadi, H. D., Gorji Bandpey, G., & Alaei, H. (2026). A Novel Ductile Energy Dissipation Device to Enhance the Seismic Performance of Chevron Braced Frames in the Near-Fault Region. Journal of Civil Aspects and Structural Engineering, 3(2), 90-107. https://doi.org/10.48314/jcase.v3i2.80

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