Seismic Performance and Design Optimization of Steel-Framed Glass Panel Systems

This study presents a comprehensive finite element investigation of steel-framed glass panel ( SFGP ) systems under seismic loading, addressing critical knowledge gaps in facade system design for earthquake-resistant construction. Using ANSYS Mechanical APDL, we performed nonlinear cyclic analyses on glass panel assemblies (3×4 grid configuration) with varying steel frame geometries to evaluate hysteretic behavior, energy dissipation ( E _d ) mechanisms, and structural performance indices. We systematically investigated the influence of frame thickness (t=0.5–1.0 cm) and width (W=2–8 cm) on system response, revealing that frame width exhibits dominant influence with 200% performance improvements compared to 40% gains from thickness variations. Ultimate drift capacities ( δ _u /H ) ranging from 2.20–2.27% significantly exceed conventional code limits for brittle elements, demonstrating superior deformation capacity compared to traditional infill systems. E _d ranged from 0.09 to 0.41 kN·m, with optimal configurations (t=1.0 cm, W=8 cm) achieving ultimate force capacity of 27.80 kN and effective stiffness of 10.31 kN/mm. Probabilistic analysis incorporating geometric and material uncertainties yielded partial safety factors ( γ _M = 1.077–1.180), providing essential reliability data for performance-based design. The findings challenge current seismic code classifications of glass facades as purely brittle elements and establish design recommendations for seismically resilient SFGP systems in high-risk regions.