Experimental and Analytical Study of a Segmented Buckling Restrained Brace

Buckling-restrained braces (BRBs) are widely recognized as effective energy-dissipation components that enhance the seismic resilience of structures. This study introduces a segmented buckling-restrained brace (S-BRB), composed of a Q235 steel core plate, restraining members, limiting plates, and bolts. A prototype S-BRB was designed, fabricated, and tested under quasi-static loading to investigate its failure mechanisms and hysteretic behavior. A corresponding numerical model was developed in ABAQUS to further evaluate its seismic performance. Test results demonstrate that the limiting plates effectively restrict the deformation of each core plate segment, enabling progressive yielding and preventing premature fracture at weaker sections. The S-BRB exhibited stable hysteretic loops, excellent energy-dissipation capacity, and strong deformation ability. Overall, the S-BRB shows reliable seismic behavior and adaptability in design, indicating strong potential for meeting practical seismic performance requirements.