Analytical studies and pseudo-dynamic testing of an earthquake-resistant buckling-restrained braced frame

Due to the recent attention that buckling-restrained braced frames (BRBFs) have received in the United States and the resulting need for knowledge about system behavior and performance, an integrated analytical and large-scale experimental research program on BRBFs has been initiated at the ATLSS Center, Lehigh University. Nonlinear time-history analyses were performed on a 4-story prototype BRBF using a suite of earthquake ground motions. The ground motions were scaled to two seismic input levels: the design basis earthquake (DBE) and the maximum considered earthquake (MCE). Good performance was observed at both input levels and the analytical studies were used to plan the large-scale experimental program. The laboratory experiments were conducted using the pseudo-dynamic testing method to simulate seismic input. Tests were conducted at various seismic input levels, including the DBE and MCE. Good performance was observed in the experimental program and the significant ductility capacity of BRBFs was verified.