Application of slit link beam in eccentrically braced frames

Slit dampers are a specific type of metallic yielding dampers, for which many studies have been conducted in recent years, to investigate their behavior and possible applications in structures. In this paper, by considering the behavior of this type of dampers, the use of slit link beam in eccentrically braced frames is proposed. A slit link beam is a link beam in which the beam web is divided into a number of vertical links using slits/openings. The geometry of the links is designed to ensure uniform distribution of normal stress along them. Analytical equations are developed to predict the behavior of the slit link beam and the eccentrically braced frame. The behavior of the proposed system is studied using verified numerical analyses in Abaqus software. The “Ductile Damage” model is used to predict the failure in the numerical models. After verifying the numerical analysis, parametric studies are conducted on the eccentrically braced frames with slit link beams. In this regard, various geometric parameters of these frames are considered and their effects on the behavior of the proposed system are determined. Based on the results of this study, the proposed system has a high energy dissipation capacity, when the limitations of this study for the slit link beam geometry and the braced frame are observed. Consequently, a well-designed eccentrically braced frame with slit link beam can be used as an efficient lateral load resisting system and it can have advantages over the conventional link beam, when the link beam is long. •The use of slit link beams in eccentrically braced frames is studied using numerical analysis.•Geometry of vertical links of the link beams is designed to ensure uniform distribution of normal stress along the links.•Analytical equations are developed to predict the behavior of the slit link beam and the eccentrically braced frame.•Parameters of the Ductile Damage model are calibrated for A36 steel plates.•The results show that the proposed configuration can be used in eccentric braced frames quite reliably.