Evaluation and comparison of the Seismic and Environmental Performance of Plane Trusses and Flat Space Frames: A Parametric Study on Soil and Climatic Influence

Abstract

 This study evaluates the analysis and design of two steel roof structures according to current practices in Turkey, including Eurocode 1 (2007) and the Turkish Building Earthquake Code of 2018 (TBEC 2018), with the aim of comparing the efficient roof system configuration from both a structural perspective and a structural behavior perspective. In this study, 8 structural models were examined, which investigated a combination of 2 different structural roof types, Plane Trusses (Type A) and Flat Space Frames (Type B), in two different climatic regions (Zone II and Zone IV), one seismic level, and two site classes (ZB and ZC). Structural modelling and analyses were analyzed and simulated using SAP2000 software. Calculations were carried out in accordance with the Turkish Steel Structures Design, Calculation and Construction Regulations (SDCCSS, 2016). The results indicate that the sensitivity of the structure to lateral loads is largely dependent on the classification of the lands and soil types, so that for type II lands, wind-induced displacements predominate, while for zone IV lands and site class (ZD), the behavior of the structure changes and becomes earthquake-oriented, with seismic displacements being predominant. Economically, Type A systems achieved the maximum weight for 20 m spans, and Type B systems recorded the minimum material consumption. Seismic displacements were recorded at higher levels for ZC site class, as well as for all models 2 and 4. This study shows that the choice of roof geometry significantly affects the total weight of the structure and consequently the cost of the project. The results of the analysis confirm that the performance of the Type B systems in limiting the lateral displacement in weak soils.