2014
Dr. Lydell Wiebe
Department of Civil Engineering, McMaster University

Reducing Construction Costs by Improving Seismic Performance: Controlled Rocking Steel Braced Frames

Controlled Rocking Steel Braced Frames (CRSBFs) are an emerging new seismic force resisting system. Through the selection of post-tensioning and energy dissipation technologies, a CRSBF can be designed to avoid structural damage and to return the structure to the initial plumb position. The long-term goal of this research project is to develop CRSBFs into a cost-competitive seismic force resisting system that can be codified in a future edition of S16. The objectives of this project phase are to:
1. Quantify the performance of CRSBFs when elements yield or buckle.
2. Develop practical details for the connection between the CRSBF and the floor diaphragm.
Following an extensive literature review, this project phase will involve developing computer models using OpenSees, a program for advanced nonlinear dynamic analysis. Experimental validation is planned for a future phase of the project.

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Lydell Wiebe was the recipient of the G.J. Jackson Fellowship in 2005. He received his B.A.Sc. (2005) and Ph.D. (2013) from the University of Toronto, and his M.Sc. (2008) in Earthquake Engineering from the ROSE School in Pavia, Italy. Before joining the faculty of McMaster University, he worked as a consultant with Aurecon New Zealand to draft a Design Guide for Controlled Rocking Steel Braced Frames. Dr. Wiebe’s primary research focus is on predicting and mitigating damage to steel structures due to earthquakes.