Hysteretic Performance Study on a Pre-Pressed Spring Self-Centering Energy Dissipation Brace

Abstract eng:
This paper presents a new type of pre-pressed spring self-centering energy dissipation (PS-SCED) bracing system that combines friction energy dissipation mechanisms between the inner and outer tube members with the pre-pressed combination disc springs that are installed on both ends of the brace to provide the self-centering capability. The mechanics and the equations governing the design and hysteretic responses of the bracing system are outlined, and a series of validation tests of a large scale PS-SCED bracing specimen were conducted due to the low cyclic reversed loadings. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed bracing system exhibits a stable and repeatable flag-shaped hysteretic response with excellent self-centering capability, appreciable energy dissipation, large ultimate bearing and deformation capacities. Almost no residual deformation occurs when the friction force is less than the initial pre-pressed force of disc springs. Results also show that the compressive capability is better than the tensile capability and the ductility behavior in tension is better than that of the brace in compression, and the proposed bracing system still can reduce the influence of residual deformations and dissipate energy effectively even the tubes are already in the elastic-plastic stage. The overall hysteretic responses are well predicted by the proposed equations and good agreements between the calculated and experimental bearing forces are found.

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