Unresolved Design Issues with Steel Eccentrically Braced Frame System

When – Monday 23rd February 2026

Where – Room 401, Building 401, University of Auckland - 20 Symonds Street, Auckland Central, Auckland.

Agenda –
17:30 pre-presentation refreshments
18:00 presentation

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Abstract

Steel eccentrically braced frames (EBFs) are widely used in New Zealand for seismic resistance due to their ability to combine high lateral stiffness with ductile energy dissipation through yielding active links. Current design practice, informed by early experimental research, typically relies on elastic analysis procedures prescribed in NZS 3404 for member proportioning. Recent studies suggest that the elastic analysis methods commonly adopted in New Zealand practice may be non‑conservative in predicting deformation demands.

This presentation evaluates the accuracy of code‑based estimates of active link rotation demands and highlights the limitations of current methods using nonlinear pushover and incremental dynamic time‑history analyses.

Biographies

Maryam Hasanali

Dr Maryam Hasanali is a Structural Research Engineer at the Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA), where she focuses on developing innovative design solutions and practical guidance for the metal and heavy engineering industries. She completed her PhD at the University of Auckland, where her research investigated the structural behaviour and design of cold-formed steel (CFS) components subjected to combined gravity and lateral loading.

At HERA, she leads research initiatives aimed at translating industry needs into efficient design tools, technical guidance, and practical engineering solutions. She collaborates closely with industry stakeholders to advance steel design practices and contributes to workforce development through training, knowledge transfer, and educational activities.

Maryam brings over a decade of research and consulting experience across New Zealand and Iran, with expertise in seismic design, analysis, and assessment of diverse structural systems, including reinforced and post-tensioned concrete, hot-rolled steel, and cold-formed steel structures. Her work includes structural optimisation, composite and lightweight structural systems, and the implementation of advanced seismic design strategies to enhance performance under dynamic loading.

Ali Rad

Dr Ali Rad is the Lead Structural Engineer for the St James Theatre reinstatement project at Reconstruct. He is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) with over 10 years of experience delivering heritage, commercial, health, retail and residential projects in New Zealand and the Middle East. Ali has specialised expertise in low‑damage seismic design and nonlinear dynamic analysis of buildings. He holds a PhD in Structural/Earthquake Engineering from the University of Canterbury.

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Unresolved Design Issues with Steel Eccentrically Braced Frame System