Re-centring capacity of dual-steel frames

Capacity design principles used in modern seismic design codes are deemed to confine plastic deformations to dissipative elements only. In conventional structures, this can be undesirable as the plastic deformations mean damage to structural elements, interruption to building operations and substantial repair works. If these elements are removable and can be replaced, the structure has the ability to return to the initial undeformed shape after an earthquake, provided restoring forces are supplied by part of the structure still within the elastic range. The objective of the present work, which continues the previous research of the authors, is to present a general methodology for designing structures with removable dissipative elements and re-centring capability. Two applications are also presented.