How does ETABS account for deformations in the panel zone?
In ETABS, you can explicitly assign panel zones to specific joints in your model. When panel zones are assigned, ETABS puts a link/spring between the column and the beam using spring properties based on frame section properties and consideration for whether or not doubler plates were used. The user has the option to modify the link properties under Assign > Joint/Point > Panel Zones. Since use of panel zones can have a significant impact on building drift, it’s easy to run a parameter study to see what impact the panel zones may have on deflections.
