Experimental Evaluation of a Buckling Restrained Brace Using a Non-Traditional Material

Abstract eng:
Steel braced frames include braces to provide lateral resistance and stiffness. Conventional steel braces may buckle in compression and break after a few cycles when subjected to seismic loads. In order to provide adequate seismic resistance, larger sections of the braces must be used than those required purely from the level of tensile stresses. As an alternative, Buckling Restrained Braces (BRBs) are increasingly being used as seismic protection elements. This research aims to experimentally study the behaviour of buckling restrained braces constructed using a non-traditional material, subjected to monotonic and cyclic loads. It is expected that the use of this material will simplify the fabrication process, the transportation, and the installation in the structure, as compared to currently available BRBs, without loss of strength and deformation capacity. Four specimens 2-meter long are manufactured using a square outer steel tube (200mmx200mmx5mm), a rectangular steel core (100mmx10mm), and a rubber-like material as confining material. The steel used is ASTM A36. The specimens consider variation of parameters such as the level of bond between the steel core and the confining material, the type of loading (monotonic versus cyclic), and the presence of steel end caps to restrict the longitudinal movement of the confining material. Constitutive relations of the confining material are determined from cyclic tests of material coupons under tension and direct shear loading. The brace specimens are subjected to displacement controlled tension/compression cycles of increasing amplitude, according to AISC 341-10. Stable hysteresis cycles with slight strength degradation are obtained, showing that using this material in BRBs is an appropriate solution that can be manufactured with local technology.

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