Improving the Overall Buckling Resistance of the Chevron Braced Steel Frames using Lintel Band

Abstract

In this article the capability of steel lintel bands in steel frames has been scrutinised for the improvement in the overall buckling strength/resistance. By adding the lintel bands to the Chevron braces frames, Chevron braces were got upgraded for an improved buckling resistance. Modified Chevron bracing arrangement also improved the buckling resistance of the weak-beam and strong-column frames significantly. For comparison, X braces were analysed. X braces were found to be a constrained option with various limitations (including the size of the braces in combination with the size of the beams). Lintel bands were found to be consistent and work well in all the considered cases including the frame configurations in which X brace failed to fulfil the purpose. The buckling behaviour of eccentrically and concentrically Chevron braced frames was studied by including lintel bands and lintels at the general lintel location. Through this article, it has been conveyed that the lintel bands can be used as a good companion of the braces and can be included in the Chevron braced frames to improve its buckling behaviour under both the lateral/ horizontal and the vertical loads.