Topological evaluation of simple steel frames with special eccentric braces

Steel structures with special steel eccentric bracing frames are one of the systems widely employed to resist lateral loads. Given the significance of construction costs and its association with the selected structural system, number of the floors, beam span length, location of columns, and the soil type, this paper investigates the optimum values of these parameters. The aim of the present article is to find the optimal topology with respect to architectural requirements and applicability considerations. To this end, models with hybrid structural systems with simple steel frames and eccentric bracing with special ductility level for 5, 10, and 14 floors were selected. The selected models were assumed with equal area and two different soil types. In order to provide parking space based on the urban development regulations, models were considered with span length of 5.6, 7.5, and 11.2 meters to locate 2, 3, and 4 cars between columns respectively. Having analyzed the models and designed structural members and foundations, amount and cost of the building materials were estimated based on the available rates and the results were compared using figures. The most economical structures were proposed for both soil types and for the number of floors.