Near Full-Scale Experimental Investigation of Low-Standard RC Frames Retrofitted With Buckling Restrained Braces

Abstract eng:
Existing Reinforced Concrete (RC) buildings designed according to outdated regulations and codes may lack seismic performance (strength, stiffness, and ductility) to meet the current codes’ requirements. Especially older public buildings like schools or hospitals, typically require retrofitting to ensure safety during and after a major seismic event. While retrofit methods using conventional (i.e. buckling) braces in a concentric or eccentric configuration have been implemented for decades, the unbalanced hysteretic behavior of such braces tends to yield damage concentration in certain stories. Buckling Restrained Braces (BRBs), as a new generation bracing system, provide an increase of structural integrity and reduce seismic demands through energy dissipation. However, during a strong seismic event, maximum story drifts may exceed the yielding point of the RC frame, causing degradation in horizontal stiffness in all structural elements including BRBs. This phenomenon eventually results in damages and residual deformation at a specific story. In actual applications, these reductions could be prevented when BRBs are used in connection with an elastically designed closed steel frame (SF).

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