Research on the seismic performance of frame structures with external fractal dimension-buckling restrained braces

This study aimed to mitigate seismically induced displacement and deformation in reinforced concrete frame structures, thereby reducing earthquake-related damage and enhancing their structural seismic resilience. A novel fractal dimension-buckling restrained brace (FD-BRB), designed using MATLAB and Mandelbrot-derived fractal geometry, was applied for external frame retrofitting, and its seismic performance enhancement was quantified through ABAQUS simulations by comparing the structural behaviour before and after strengthening. This results demonstrate that externally applied FD-BRBs effectively mitigate localised damage in reinforced concrete frame structures under seismic loading, thereby reducing deformation and torsion. This intervention enhances the seismic performance and load capacity, extends the service life, lowers maintenance costs, and provides an efficient structural retrofitting solution that advances innovation in seismic-resistant systems.