Performance of prestressed T-type self-centering energy-dissipation brace

Abstract

In this study, high-strength cables were used to create a prestressed T-type self-centering energy-dissipation brace (PTSEB), which can be used for multi-story and high-rise frame structures. The brace can dissipate energy through friction, provide lateral stiffness through prestressed cables, and automatically return to its original position under the action of cable tension after the external load disappears. Lever action is used to significantly amplify the deformation ability of the brace. Moreover, the energy-dissipation ability of the brace is considerably better than that of a traditional self-centering brace. A test and a finite element analysis were performed on the PTSEB, and the results indicated that the brace had a strong energy-dissipation ability, as well as a high deformation capacity and self-centering capacity. ABAQUS was used to analyze and compare the performance of braces with different sizes. The results showed that in a certain range, as the shell height increased, the seismic performance of the PTSEB was improved significantly; however, an increase in the shell width did not improve the seismic performance of the PTSEB significantly. Reasonable sizes for the PTSEB were proposed based on a finite element parameter analysis to ensure that the brace would have improved energy-dissipation and self-centering abilities. A restoring force model of the PTSEB was constructed, and the key points of the restoring force model were obtained using some proposed formulas. The design parameters of the PTSEB could be determined based on these formulas.