Response of buckling restrained braces to catastrophic seismic events

Abstract

▪ Buckling Restrained Braces (BRBs) are reliable and effective energy dissipation devices. BRBs are the effective solution to the problem of the limited ductility of classic concentric bracing, thanks to the avoidance of global compression buckling. In fact, they are characterized by the ability of bracing elements to yield inelastically in compression as well as in tension. This hysteretic behaviour is stable in a range of deformation, which is to be fixed at the design stage. If the displacement capacity is exceeded because of an unforeseen large demand due to a catastrophic earthquake, then a number of secondary collapse mechanisms can be activated. Accordingly, different performances can be recognized with the possibility to develop ductile behaviour or brittle failure of the device. [Extract from Description]