This thesis investigates the torsional performance of steel structures with and without rigid diaphragm constraints through numerical simulations and evaluates the appropriateness of relevant design provisions in current seismic design codes. In the first part of the work, six theme structures with different (1) in-plane stiffness of diaphragm, and (2) horizontal configurations of vertical braced frames were designed and their performance evaluated through both nonlinear static and dynamic analyses.

Comparisons of the analytical results between the structures with and without rigid diaphragm constraints indicate that the in-plane rigidity of the diaphragms affects the efficiency of in-plane force transfer mechanisms, resulting in different global ductility and strength demands. Rigid diaphragm structures exhibit higher global strengths as well as higher torsional rotation capacity because of the infinite in-plane stiffness of the diaphragm. Semi-rigid diaphragm structures have higher ductility demands due to the finite in-plane diaphragm stiffness. The inclusion of bi-axial forces in the analyses reduces the structural strength and increases the ductility demands on the peripheral frames.

The axial forces in the collectors and chords that make up the diaphragm depend on (1) the sequence of brace buckling and (2) vertical configuration of the braced frames. The results show higher axial forces in collectors in the roof diaphragms, and higher chord axial forces in the third floor diaphragms. The shear connections in the beams that make up both the collectors and chords are susceptible to failure due to the significant increment of axial forces in those members. The conventional beam analogy used in design can severely underestimate the axial forces in chords and collectors when the structures step into the inelastic stage.