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In this research, a new objective function has been proposed for optimal design of the Buckling Restrained Braced Frames (BRBFs) is performed using nonlinear time history analysis. The BRBF is a particular type of bracing system that has been widely utilized in recent years. The nonlinear time history analysis also provides a detailed view of the behavior of the structure. The purpose of this study is to provide an optimal design based on minimizing the weight of the structure while increasing the energy dissipation capability of the structure. Due to the complexity of the problem, the Enhanced Vibrating Particles Systems (EVPS) meta-heuristic algorithm is used to perform the optimization. Here, a 3-story frame, a 6-story frame and a 9-story frame are investigated simultaneously considering the continuous and discrete optimization.

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Depending on the tectonic activities, most buildings subject to multiple earthquakes, while a single design earthquake is suggested in most seismic design codes. Perhaps, the lack of easy assessment to second shock information and sometimes use of inappropriate methods in estimating these features cause successive earthquakes mainly were ignored in the analysis procedure. In order to overcome to above deficiencies, the learning abilities of artificial neural networks (ANNs) are used in two steps to evaluate the seismic capacity of steel frames consisting moment-resisting frames, ordinary concentrically, and buckling restrained brace (BRB) under critical consecutive earthquakes. For this purpose, peak ground acceleration of second shock (PGA_a) is estimated based on the first shock features in the first step. Next, second ANNs estimate the decreased capacity of the damaged structure for LS and CP performance level according to the proposed PGA_a from the previous step and some seismic and structural features. The results indicate that ANNs are trained to generalize the unseen information very well and reflect good precision in predicting target results in both steps. Finally, the effect of different parameters and repeated shocks is investigated on the seismic performance of mentioned frames. The results show the proper performance of BRB frames in the case of real and repeated earthquakes.