There exist a variety of techniques which can be utilized in seismic-resistant structures in order to protect it from earthquake ground motions. One of these techniques is the employment of vertical eccentrically braced frames (V-EBFs) which dissipate energy during seismic hazard by means of yielding of certain elements, commonly referred to as vertical shear links (VSLs), whereas the whole structures is kept safe in the elastic stage. This paper presents a numerical study on 2-D framed buildings equipped with V-EBFs using two finite element software ANSYS Workbench and ETABS. Each of modal analyses, nonlinear static pushover analyses and nonlinear time history analyses have been conducted on 6 different 2-D framed steel buildings configurations equipped with VSLs made of different metallic alloys, particularly magnesium and steel. Also, how the number of V-EBFs in the building and its placement position influence both the global and local behavior of the buildings have been investigated. Finally, general remarks regarding the optimum conditions of equipping V-EBFs in 2-D framed steel buildings have been pointed out (e.g., VSL material of fabrication, V-EBFs number and placement position).

Masonry panels are commonly used in buildings construction in most parts of the world. Brick's characteristics, such as strength, thermal insulation and sound insulation, determine the uses of bricks in buildings. Therefore, brick industry is always seeking for enhancing brick's characteristics and producing new types. Accordingly, several types of bricks were developed, such as cellular lightweight concrete (CLC) bricks. CLC bricks proved promising benefits in various applications in buildings construction. In this regard, this study investigates CLC brick's mechanical properties. An experimental program was conducted according to ASTM and British standards to obtain the essential in-plane mechanical properties of CLC bricks and masonry panels, such as compressive strength, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, Poisson's ratio and bond strength between brick and mortar. The object of this study is to provide the needed mechanical properties for numerical modelling used in analysing the behaviour of different elements (i.e., constructed from CLC bricks). This study shows that CLC bricks give a good performance regarding loads resistance because of its ductile behaviour. Consequently, it enhances the flexibility and ductility of buildings, which allows the absorption of most of the loads' energy. Moreover, it is a light type of bricks.