Determining yield and ultimate loads for moment-resisting frame buildings

This paper derives and presents an analytical expression for the ultimate load of a general class of multi-storey, uniform, moment-resisting frame. This expression is compared and validated with non-linear finite element analysis for the design of buildings with a range of different heights according to the Eurocodes. An empirical relationship between first yield and frame failure load is derived. The extent of damage in the building at the onset of failure is correlated to interstorey drift and linked to performance-based design limit states. Additionally, an analytical expression for the extent of damage at failure is proposed. This relationship defines the extent of damage as a function of the number of storeys in the framework.