Review of Design Parameters of Concentrically Braced Frames with RHS Shape Braces

Abstract

Past experimental data are collected to review the essential parameters of the design of ductile concentrically braced frames subjected to earthquake loading. The initial buckling load, the effective length of a brace, the degradation of compression resistance under cyclic loading, and the out-of-plane brace deformation will be examined in this study. The proposed equations for these parameters in the current seismic provisions are compared to the experimental data. In addition, new design equations are proposed for each parameter and verified with the experimental data. The current research is limited to rectangular hollow sections (RHS) because of their ease of connection to existing frames and their high radius of gyration compared to the other sections, such as wide-flange and double-tee sections.