Enhancing Seismic Safety: Progress and Innovations in Buckling-Restrained Braces

Buckling-restrained braces (BRBs) have become a key seismic energy dissipation technology, offering enhanced ductility, stability, and structural resilience. A classical BRB consists of an internal core and an external restraining mechanism, preventing buckling and enabling full-section yielding under axial loads. This study provides a comprehensive review of BRB technology, covering mechanical properties, stability, historical evolution, and recent innovations. Key advancements include self-centering BRBs, hybrid energy dissipation mechanisms, and advanced materials such as fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs), shape memory alloys (SMAs), and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). Additionally, modular BRB systems improve installation efficiency and post-earthquake recoverability. The seismic performance of BRBs in laboratory and real-world applications confirms their role in reducing structural damage and lifecycle costs. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in manufacturing precision, durability, and cost efficiency. Future research should focus on smart monitoring systems, multi-stage mechanical behavior, and improved self-centering mechanisms to further enhance BRB technology, ensuring its continued evolution as a critical solution for seismic resilience in modern engineering.