Seismic performance tests and analysis of connections between buckling restrained braces and steel frame
Wang Jingfeng1,2 Gao Xiang1 Li Beibei1 Qian Liping3 Zuo Jinzhou1
1. College of Civil Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China;
2. Key Lab of Anhui Civil Engineering Structures and Materials, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China;
3. Anhui Institute of Building Research & Design, Hefei 230001, China
Abstract：Buckling restrained brace (BRB) as an energy dissipation member is connected with steel frame to form a buckling restrained braced steel frame structure system. However, the effects of different connection types on seismic performance and mechanical properties of the connections between BRB and steel frame have been rarely studied. To understand the seismic performance and failure mechanism of BRB and steel frame due to different connection types, tests on five BRB-steel frame connection specimens were performed under horizontally low cyclic loading. Consequently, the phenomena and failure characteristics of the specimens were carefully observed, and the effects of the pinned shaft connection, bolted connection, welded connection and mixed connection on the seismic performance of the steel structure were investigated; the seismic performance of specimens with BRB-steel frame was studied for the hysteretic curves, skeleton curves, ductility coefficient, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation capacity and so on; the rotational forms and the strain laws of the key parts were also discussed; the failure mode of the steel structure and the yielding sequence of all structural components were analyzed. The test results show that the core plates of BRB yield before the beam, column and the gusset plate; the hysteretic curves of the specimen are plump, indicating that BRB possesses good seismic performance and ductility. The research results can provide scientific reference for the design and application of BRB in steel frame structures.
