Evaluation of seismic performance factors for steel DIAGRID structural system design

This article presents a proposed analytical methodology to determine seismic force-resisting system R-values for steel diagrid framed systems. As current model building codes do not explicitly address the seismic design performance factors for this new and emerging structural system, the purpose of this study is to provide a sound and reliable basis for defining such seismic design parameters. An approach and methodology for the reliable determination of seismic performance factors for use in the design of steel diagrid framed structural systems is proposed. The recommended methodology is based on current state-of-the-art and state-of-the practice methods including structural nonlinear dynamic analysis techniques, testing data requirements, building code design procedures and earthquake ground motion characterization. In determining appropriate seismic performance factors (R, Omega(O), C-d) for new archetypical building structural systems, the methodology defines acceptably low values of probability against collapse under maximum considered earthquake ground shaking.