Buckling-restrained brace stability evaluation, empirical basis and design implications

B. Sitler, T. Takeuchi, R. Matsui, P. C. Lin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Buckling-restrained braces (BRBs) are capable of withstanding severe seismic demands without visible damage or requiring replacement. However, stability must be maintained to achieve this performance. While the restrainer design is well established, current guidance to ensure connection stability differs markedly from country to country and the recommended methods produce a wide range of predicted capacities. This is an issue that has been discussed in the commentary to AISC 341 since the 2005 edition, but the specific method of analysis is currently left to the engineer's judgement. This paper evaluates the accuracy of the stability evaluation methods currently being used by engineers in Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan and the US, based on a test catalogue of 82 specimens, 50% of which experienced out-of-plane connection buckling. This is a global mode characterized by the formation of a hinge just outside of the restrainer, with the gusset subsequently yielding to complete the collapse mechanism. Several recently proposed methods are shown to be conservative, and the critical design variable is identified as the out-of-plane rotational end fixity provided by the gusset and adjacent framing. A three-tier design procedure is proposed, with each tier producing a less conservative design, but at the cost of increased analytical effort.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication11th National Conference on Earthquake Engineering 2018, NCEE 2018
Subtitle of host publicationIntegrating Science, Engineering, and Policy
PublisherEarthquake Engineering Research Institute
Pages718-728
Number of pages11
ISBN (Electronic)9781510873254
Publication statusPublished - 2018
Event11th National Conference on Earthquake Engineering 2018: Integrating Science, Engineering, and Policy, NCEE 2018 - Los Angeles, United States
Duration: 2018 Jun 252018 Jun 29

Publication series

Name11th National Conference on Earthquake Engineering 2018, NCEE 2018: Integrating Science, Engineering, and Policy
Volume2

Conference

Conference11th National Conference on Earthquake Engineering 2018: Integrating Science, Engineering, and Policy, NCEE 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLos Angeles
Period18-06-2518-06-29

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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