Energy based design of low damage rocking systems for steel frames

Rocking systems combined with energy-dissipative devices offer an effective solution for im-proving seismic performance by limiting structural damage and reducing the need for post-earthquake repairs. These systems enhance resilience and cost-efficiency, whether used in new constructions or integrated as retrofitting solutions for existing buildings. This study explores the behavior of low-damage pinned rocking systems using an energy-based design (EBD) methodology. The proposed approach is compared with the traditional direct displacement-based design (DDBD) to evaluate their relative effectiveness in controlling inter-storey drift, distributing seismic energy, and reducing damage concentration. The design framework is developed through an iterative process that enables the gradual refinement of structural elements and dissipative devices. Several configurations are examined, from pure pinned rocking frames to systems integrated dissipative devices, with the aim of identifying the optimal balance between seismic performance and economic efficiency. The results provide a comparative assessment of the two design strategies and offer practical insights into their ef-fectiveness in mitigating seismic demands while optimizing cost-efficiency.