Abstract
To upgrade the existing RC frame structure with insufficient seismic design, a novel and advanced gapped eccentric steel brace (GESB) system was proposed. The finite element modeling methods based on fiber cross-section and macroscopic models were established and calibrated through the test results. The impact of three key design parameters, including axial load ratio (ALR) isolation thickness (IT) and Clamping Joint Spacing (CJS), was investigated. Based on the results of the numerical analysis, it is recommended that the drift demand controlled by IT should be between 0.6% and 1%, while the CJS should be 1/4 to 1/3 in response to the ductility and strength requirements. And the effect of ALR on the retrofitted frame can be ignored. An analytical method was also presented, which proved to be accurate for estimating the mechanical response of the retrofitted frame by comparison with the experimental and numerical response.
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