A simple panel zone model for linear analysis of steel moment frames

Consideration of the panel zone (PZ) deformations in the analysis of steel moment frames (SMFs) has a substantial effect on structural response. One way to include the PZ effect on the structural response is Krawinkler's PZ model, which is one of the best and conventional models. However, modeling of Krawinkler's PZ model has its complexity, and finding an alternative procedure for PZ modeling is of interest. In this study, an efficient model is proposed to simplify Krawinkler's PZ model into an Adjusted Rigid-End Zone (AREZ). In this way, the rigid-end-zone dimensions of the beam and column elements are defined through an appropriate rigid-end-zone factor. The dimensions of this region depend on the PZ stiffness, beam(s) and columns' specifications, and connection joint configuration. Thus, to obtain a relationship for the AREZ model, which yields the dimensions of the rigid-end zone, the story drift of an SMF with Krawinkler's PZ model is equalized with the story drift of the same structure with the AREZ model. Then, the degree of accuracy of the resulting relationship is examined in several connections of generic SMFs. Also, in order to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model in SMFs, several SMFs ranging from 3- to 30-story representing low- to high-rise buildings are examined through linear static and dynamic time history analysis. Furthermore, non-linear dynamic analyses of three SMFs conducted to validate the degree of accuracy of the proposed model in the non-linear analysis of SMFs. Analytical results show that there is considerable conformity between inter-story drift ratio (IDR) results of the SMFs with Krawinkler's PZ model and those of the centerline SMFs with AREZ.