Optimum performance-based design of unsymmetrical 2D steel moment frame

The most commonly used analysis method in performance-based design (PBD) is nonlinear static analysis (NSA). In unsymmetrical 2D frames, unlike for the symmetrical state, NSA should be performed in two lateral loading directions. This complicates the process of achieving a feasible optimal design in addition to increasing the volume of calculations. In this study, to overcoming this issue, a two-step approach is proposed for the optimal PBD of unsymmetrical 2D steel moment-resisting frames (SMRFs). In this approach, in two independent steps, the structure is analyzed with a lateral loading pattern based on the first mode shape in the positive and negative directions. The implementation of the second step is conditional on the satisfactory completion of the first step. The objective function takes into account the differences between successful and unsuccessful steps. The constraints considered are based on the acceptance criteria for SMRF according to FEMA-356 at each performance level. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been investigated by employing four meta-heuristic optimization algorithms to determine the optimum design for case studies of SMRF structures having three and nine stories.