SUMMARY
Existing seismic codes are based on force-controlled design or capacity design, using the base shear concept. The most important parameter in this approach is the behaviour q-factor, which is based on the maximum capacity of structure to dissipate energy during the plastic deformations corresponding to ultimate limit state criterion. In this paper, the existing methods for determining the behaviour factor of moment-resisting steel frames are reviewed for both regular and irregular in elevation multi-storey moment-resisting steel frames. The effects of storeys, spans and regularity in elevation of frames on the behaviour factor were considered.
