Eccentrically Braced Frames Designed According to the Second Generation of Eurocode 8

prEN1998-1-2:2022 provides the material-dependent rules in the second generation of Eurocode 8. In this regard, new design rules for low-dissipative and dissipative (DC2 and DC3) structures are recommended for the steel structural systems formerly covered by EN1998-1:2004, aiming to improve the seismic performance as well as enhance the ease of use of the codes. In this framework, the rules for eccentrically braced frames (EBFs) have been significantly revised in both moderate (DC2) and high ductility classes (DC3). In order to investigate the effectiveness and the criticisms of the new rules, this paper presents a numerical study on a representative medium-rise building equipped with both “short” link- and “long” link-EBFs designed according to both EN1998-1:2004 and prEN1998-1-2:2022, i.e., considering different levels of seismic demand as well as different ductility classes (DCM/DC2 and DCH/DC3). Thereafter, the structural response is evaluated by means of nonlinear analyses. The results of this study are hence discussed in terms of design outcomes and seismic performance (i.e., lateral stiffness, damage pattern, failure mode, peak lateral resistance, etc.).