Abstract—There are some limitations in common structural systems, such as providing appropriate lateral stiffness, adequate ductility, and architectural openings at the same time. Consequently, the concept of T-Resisting Frame (TRF) has been introduced to overcome all these deficiencies. The configuration of TRF in this study is a Vertical Plate Girder (VPG) which is placed within the span and two Horizontal Plate Girders (HPGs) connect VPG to side columns at each story level by the use of rigid connections. System performance is improved by utilizing rigid connections in side columns base joint. Shear yield of HPGs causes energy dissipation in TRF; therefore, high plastic deformation in web of HPGs and VPG affects the ductility of system. Moreover, in order to prevent shear buckling in web of TRF’s members and appropriate criteria for placement of web stiffeners are applied. In this paper, an experimental study is conducted by applying cyclic loading and using finite element models and numerical studies such as push over method are assessed on shear and flexural yielding of HPGs. As a result, seismic parameters indicate adequate lateral stiffness, and high ductility factor of 6.73, and HPGs’ shear yielding achieved as a proof of TRF’s better performance. Keywords—Experimental study, finite element model, flexural and shear yielding, T-resisting frame. I. INTRODUCTION NTRODUCING new earthquake resistant systems with adequate energy dissipation is essential to prevent structural failure under severe earthquakes by emphasizing providing sufficient ductility, strength, and lateral stiffness. Since an increase in stiffness results in a decrease in ductility, it is desirable to devise a structural system which provides these properties in an optimum level without excessive costs. TRF consists of VPG with high depth of web, which is located at the middle of span and jointed to side columns by two HPGs. Using the entire capacity of HPGs’ web with respect to shear yielding, rigid connections of link beams (HPGs), and even rigid base connection of TRF’s vertical members may improve the performance. Firstly, the flexural yield of TRF members, connection method, and the number of VPGs has been studied [1]-[3]. This lateral resistant system was also checked by performing Endurance Time method (ET) which confirms the suitable flexural yield of TRF’s members with different span lengths and alternate heights [4]. Helia Barzegar Sedigh, Msc. Grad., is with the Department of Civil Engineering, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, 34149-16818, Iran (corresponding author, e-mail: helia.barzegarsediq@yahoo.com). Farzaneh Hamedi, Assistant professor, is with the Department of Civil Engineering, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, 34149-16818, Iran. Payam Ashtari, Assistant professor, is with the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, 45371-38791, Iran. More ductility and better performance was obtained due to initial shear yielding specially in HPGs caused by decreasing their length [5]. The initial experimental and numerical studies on TRF against shear and flexural yield of H.P.Gs were investigated [6] and the experimental and numerical studies on 1:2 scale TRF were developed to show the adequate behavior and more ductility factor of TRF with shear yield of HPGs [7]. According to related literature and basis assumption of seismic design, HPGs are approximated to link beam in EBF, and VPG performs as a stiffened shear wall without elastic buckling [6]. Section properties of the VPG and HPGs have a major effect on the ductility and energy dissipation of the TRF systems. In this paper, actual behavior and ductility factor are assessed in TRF specimen. Shear and flexural yielding in HPGs is studied by four finite element models which verify the numerical results from the test and also developing the numerical studies. II. INTRODUCING TRF TRF system is an I-shaped plate girder which is vertically placed at the middle of span (VPG), connected with two other HPGs to the side columns at each story level by the use of rigid connections (Fig. 1). TRF is introduced to have a shear or flexural yielding of HPGs and secondly, the yield of VPG. Assumptions of fixed or simple base joint of side columns are compared to provide appropriate seismic characteristics. This will fulfill architectural considerations such as locating openings. Load distribution in T members would result in better performance of system by controlling the axial force of side columns and also by creating more resisting moment in base due to VPG [3]. Novelty of TRF needs more attention to design parameters such as width to thickness ratio. As it is possible for VGP’s web to be compact or even non-compact, the stability and stiffness can be provided by web stiffeners. In comparison to EBF system, compression force and shear buckling of web in plastic zone are controlled with an optimal design by applying simple base joint in TRF side columns. In addition, flange compaction and appropriate placing of horizontal web stiffeners in VPG are precluded the global and local elastic buckling. In this case, stable and growing hysteresis curve without loss of lateral resistance and stiffness, are derived. It can be inferred that TRF with yield of three ductile members and lateral stability presents better seismic lateral behavior. Investigation of Seismic T-Resisting Frame with Shear and Flexural Yield of Horizontal Plate Girders Helia Barzegar Sedigh, Farzaneh Hamedi, Payam Ashtari I World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology International Journal of Civil and Architectural Engineering Vol:13, No:2, 2019 96 International Scholarly and Scientific Research & Innovation 13(2) 2019 ISNI:0000000091950263 Open Science Index, Civil and Architectural Engineering Vol:13, No:2, 2019 waset.org/Publication/10010077