A self-centering brace with superior energy dissipation capability: development and experimental study

Abstract

This study proposes the development of a magnetorheological self-centering brace (MR–SCB) that can improve the energy dissipation capability of SCBs. The proposed brace reduces residual deformation and enhances the seismic performances of the structure. The disc springs enable recentering capability, while the magnetorheological fluid dissipates energy. The mechanics of the MR–SCB are presented, and a restoring force model to describe its hysteretic responses is established. Cyclic tests were conducted on the magnetorheological damping components of the brace and the entire large-scale MR–SCB specimens under sinusoidal excitations. Results confirm that the MR–SCB exhibits full flag-shaped responses, high ultimate bearing capacity, special superior energy dissipation capability, and stable restoring force. In addition, the proposed MR–SCB eliminates 96% of residual deformation. The superior energy dissipation capability of the MR–SCB can dissipate more energy and achieve greater control of seismic responses. The predicted and experimental results agree well. Thus, the Bouc–Wen restoring force model can be used to accurately describe the force–displacement behavior of the MR–SCB.