| Abstract: | In this study, an energy design approach is proposed within the framework of the performance‐based seismic design of steel frames. Accumulated plastic rotation is selected as a parameter to establish the performance level thresholds. The test results of steel connections are investigated to quantify the performance level thresholds. The hysteretic energy input is acquired from a previous statistical study of twelve six‐storey steel moment‐resisting frames. The seismic performance of three‐storey steel moment resisting frames using the energy approach is examined. The research concluded that the structure designed by the energy method performed better than the steel frame designed by the equivalent lateral force (ELF) of UBC‐97 in view of accumulated plastic rotation. Performance levels such as functional, life safety and collapse are discussed based on the ductility level and the performance characteristics. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
