Abstract
Multi-story steel frames are popular building structures. For those with insufficient seismic resistance, their seismic capacity can be improved by installing buckling-restrained braces (BRBs), which is known for high energy dissipation capacity, and the corresponding frame is denoted as BRB frame (BRBF). However, BRBFs are frequently criticized because of excessive residual deformations after earthquakes, which impede the post-event repairing work and immediate occupancy. Meanwhile, self-centering braces (SCBs), which were invented with a particular purpose of eliminating residual deformation for the protected structures, underwent fast development in recent years. However, the damping capability of SCBs is relatively small because their hysteresis is characterized by a flag shape. Therefore, this paper aims to combine these two different braces to form a hybrid bracing system. A total of four combinations are proposed to seek an optimal solution. The multi-story steel frames installed with BRBs, SCBs, and combined braces are numerically investigated through nonlinear static and dynamic analyses. Interested seismic response parameters refer to the maximum story drift ratios, maximum floor accelerations, and residual story drift ratios. The seismic analysis results indicate that the frames using the combined bracing system are able to take the advantages of BRBs and SCBs.
Highlights
Conventional multi-story steel frames were found susceptible to earthquake attacks, and the huge social and economic loss caused by catastrophic earthquakes inspired the community to explore advanced technologies to upgrade the seismic resistance of structures
self-centering braces (SCBs) are known for their excellent capability of recovering deformation
In order to address the problem for conventional BRB frame (BRBF), this paper suggested using buckling-restrained braces (BRBs) and SCBs together to form a hybrid bracing system
Summary
Conventional multi-story steel frames were found susceptible to earthquake attacks, and the huge social and economic loss caused by catastrophic earthquakes inspired the community to explore advanced technologies to upgrade the seismic resistance of structures. Many seismic damping devices, such as those based on friction mechanism [1,2,3], metallic yielding behavior [4,5], and buckling-restrained braces (BRBs) [6], are representatives among many research efforts and have been applied in practice to protect the structures. Normal steel braces were installed in steel frames to enhance seismic capacity. Hsiao et al [8] proposed a sophisticated model to capture the buckling behavior of normal steel braces.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
