New approach to evaluate the response modification factors for steel moment resisting frames

The design force levels currently specified by most seismic codes are calculated by dividing the base shear for elastic response by the response modification factor (R). This is based on the fact that the structures possess significant reserve strength, redundancy, damping and capacity to dissipate energy. This paper proposed the evaluation methodology and procedure of the response modification factors for steel moment resisting frames. The response modification factors are evaluated by multiplying ductility factor (R _μ) for SDOF systems, MDOF modification factor (R _M ) and strength factor (R _S ) together. The proposed rules were applied to existing steel moment resisting frames. The nonlinear static pushover analysis was performed to estimate the ductility (R _μ), MDOF modification (R _M ) and strength factors (R _S ). The results showed that the response modification factors (R) have different values with various design parameters such as design base shear coefficient (V/W), failure mechanism, framing system and number of stories.