Out‐of‐plane stability of buckling‐restrained braces including moment transfer capacity

Buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs) are widely used as ductile seismic‐resistant and energy‐dissipating structural members in seismic regions. Although BRBs are expected to exhibit stable hysteresis under cyclic axial loading, one of the key limit states is global flexural buckling, which can produce an undesirable response. Many prior studies have indicated the possibility of global buckling of a BRB before its core yields owing to connection failure. In this paper, BRB stability concepts are presented, including their bending‐moment transfer capacity at restrainer ends for various connection stiffness values with initial out‐of‐plane drifts, and a unified simple equation set for ensuring BRB stability is proposed. Moreover, a series of cyclic loading tests with initial out‐of‐plane drifts are conducted, and the results are compared with those of the proposed equations. © 2013 The Authors. Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

Hybrid experimental performance of a full‐scale two‐story buckling‐restrained braced RC frame

This paper proposes a novel implementation of buckling‐restrained braces (BRB) in new reinforced concrete (RC) frame construction. Seismic design and analysis methods for using a proposed steel cast‐in anchor bracket (CAB) to transfer normal and shear forces between the BRB and RC members are investigated. A full‐scale two‐story RC frame with BRBs (BRB‐RCF) is tested using hybrid and cyclic loading test procedures. The BRBs were arranged in a zigzag configuration and designed to resist 70% of the story shear. The gusset design incorporates the BRB axial and RCF actions, while the beam and column members comply with ACI 318‐14 seismic design provisions. Test results confirm that the BRBs enhanced the RCF stiffness, strength, and ductility. The hysteresis energy dissipation ratios in the four hybrid tests range from 60% to 94% in the two stories, indicating that BRBs can effectively dissipate seismic input energy. When the inter‐story drift ratio for both stories reached 3.5% in the cyclic loading test, the overall lateral force versus deformation response was still very stable. No failure of the proposed steel CABs and RC discontinuity regions was observed. This study demonstrates that the proposed design and construction methods for the CABs are effective and practical for real applications. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic design and hybrid tests of a full‐scale three‐story buckling‐restrained braced frame using welded end connections and thin profile

A series of hybrid and cyclic loading tests were conducted on a three‐story single‐bay full‐scale buckling‐restrained braced frame (BRBF) at the Taiwan National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering in 2010. Six buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs) including two thin BRBs and four end‐slotted BRBs, all using welded end connection details, were installed in the frame specimen. The BRBF was designed to sustain a design basis earthquake in Los Angeles. In the first hybrid test, the maximum inter‐story drift reached nearly 0.030 rad in the second story and one of the thin BRBs in the first story locally bulged and fractured subsequently before the test ended. After replacing the BRBs in the first story with a new pair, a second hybrid test with the same but reversed direction ground motion was applied. The maximum inter‐story drifts reached more than 0.030 rad and some cracks were found on the gusset welds in the second story. The frame responses were satisfactorily predicted by both OpenSees and PISA3D analytical models. The cyclic loading test with triangular lateral force distribution was conducted right after the second hybrid test. The maximum inter‐story drift reached 0.032, 0.031, and 0.008 rad for the first to the third story, respectively. This paper then presents the findings on the local bulging failure of the steel casing by using cyclic test results of two thin BRB specimens. It is found that the steel casing bulging resistance can be computed from an equivalent beam model constructed from the steel core plate width and restraining concrete thickness. This paper concludes with the recommendations on the seismic design of thin BRB steel casings against local bulging failure. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of seismic performance of pile‐supported models in liquefiable soils

The seismic performance of four pile‐supported models is studied for two conditions: (i) transient to full liquefaction condition, i.e. the phase when excess pore pressure gradually increases during the shaking; (ii) full liquefaction condition, i.e. defined as the state where the seismically induced excess pore pressure equalises to the overburden stress. The paper describes two complementary analyses consisting of an experimental investigation, carried out at normal gravity on a shaking table, and a simplified numerical analysis, whereby the soil–structure interaction (SSI) is modelled through non‐linear Winkler springs (commonly known as p–y curves). The effects of liquefaction on the SSI are taken into account by reducing strength and stiffness of the non‐liquefied p–y curves by a factor widely known as p‐multiplier and by using a new set of p–y curves. The seismic performance of each of the four models is evaluated by considering two different criteria: (i) strength criterion expressed in terms of bending moment envelopes along the piles; (ii) damage criterion expressed in terms of maximum global displacement. Comparison between experimental results and numerical predictions shows that the proposed p–y curves have the advantage of better predicting the redistribution of bending moments at deeper elevations as the soil liquefies. Furthermore, the proposed method predicts with reasonable accuracy the displacement demand exhibited by the models at the full liquefaction condition. However, disparities between computed and experimental maximum bending moments (in both transient and full liquefaction conditions) and displacement demands (during transient to liquefaction condition) highlight the need for further studies. Copyright © 2016 The Authors Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

Development and assessment of damage‐to‐loss models for moment‐frame reinforced concrete buildings

The assessment of earthquake loss often requires the definition of a relation between a measure of damage and a quantity of loss, usually achieved through the employment of a damage‐to‐loss model. These models are frequently characterized by a large variability, which inevitably increases the uncertainty in the vulnerability assessment and earthquake loss estimation. This study provides an insight on the development of damage‐to‐loss functions for moment‐frame reinforced concrete buildings through an analytical methodology. Tri‐dimensional finite element models of existing reinforced concrete buildings were subjected to a number of ground motion records compatible with the seismicity in the region of interest, through nonlinear dynamic analysis. These results were used to assess, for a number of damage states, the probability distribution of loss ratio, taking into consideration member damage and different repair techniques, as well as to derive sets of fragility functions. Then, a vulnerability model (in terms of the ratio of cost of repair to cost of replacement, conditional on the level of ground shaking intensity) was derived and compared with the vulnerability functions obtained through the combination of various damage‐to‐loss models with the set of fragility functions developed herein. In order to provide realistic estimates of economic losses due to seismic action, a comprehensive study on repair costs using current Portuguese market values was also carried out. The results of this study highlight important issues in the derivation of vulnerability functions, which are a fundamental component for an adequate seismic risk assessment. © 2015 The Authors. Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

Seismic strengthening of existing RC beam‐column joints by wing walls

Numerous non‐ductile reinforced concrete (RC) buildings with little or no shear reinforcement in beam‐column joints can be found in regions of moderate seismicity. To strengthen such substandard beam‐column joints, this study proposes a method in which RC wing walls are installed beside existing columns, which overcomes the lack of realistic strengthening methods for congested connections in RC buildings. The proposed strengthening mechanism improves the joint moment capacity by utilizing tension and compression acting on the beam–wing wall boundaries; thus, brittle joint hinging failure is prevented. Three 3/4‐scale RC exterior beam‐column joint specimens without shear reinforcement, two of which were strengthened by installing wing walls with different strengthening elements, were fabricated and tested. The test results verified the effectiveness of the proposed strengthening method and the applicability of this method to seismically substandard beam‐column joints. © 2017 The Authors. Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

A new model order reduction strategy adapted to nonlinear problems in earthquake engineering

Earthquake dynamic response analysis of large complex structures, especially in the presence of nonlinearities, usually turns out to be computationally expensive. In this paper, the methodical developments of a new model order reduction strategy (MOR) based on the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method as well as its practical applicability to a realistic building structure are presented. The seismic performance of the building structure, a medical complex, is to be improved by means of base isolation realized by frictional pendulum bearings. According to the new introduced MOR strategy, a set of deterministic POD modes (transformation matrix) is assembled, which is derived based on the information of parts of the response history, so‐called snapshots, of the structure under a representative earthquake excitation. Subsequently, this transformation matrix is utilized to create reduced‐order models of the structure subjected to different earthquake excitations. These sets of nonlinear low‐order representations are now solved in a fractional amount of time in comparison with the computations of the full (non‐reduced) systems. The results demonstrate accurate approximations of the physical (full) responses by means of this new MOR strategy if the probable behavior of the structure has already been captured in the POD snapshots. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

Effect of non‐moment braced frame seismic deformations on buckling‐restrained brace end connection behavior: Theoretical analysis and subassemblage tests

In‐plane buckling‐restrained brace (BRB) end rotation induced by frame action is a commonly observed phenomenon in buckling‐restrained braced frames (BRBFs). However, its effect on BRB end connection behavior has not yet been clear. In this study, four BRB end deformation modes for quick determination of end rotational demand are proposed for non‐moment BRBF considering different BRB arrangements, installing story of BRBs, and boundary condition of corner gussets connected with column base. Key factors affecting BRB end rotation and flexural moments are examined theoretically by parametric analysis. Subassemblage tests of seven BRB specimens under horizontal cyclic loading were conducted by adopting two loading frames to impose the expected BRB end deformations. It shows that BRB end rotation subjected BRB ends to significant flexural moments, leading to premature yielding of BRB ends or even tendency of end zone buckling. The deformation modes, the flexural rigidity of BRB ends, and the initial geometric imperfections of BRBs were found to have significant influence on BRB end connection behavior. The triggering moment induced by BRB end rotation was the main contributor to end flexural moment. However, the moment amplification effect induced by flexure of BRB end zones became prominent especially for small flexural rigidity of BRB ends. Implications and future research needs for design of BRB end connections are provided finally based on the theoretical and experimental results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic response estimation method for earthquake‐damaged RC buildings

This study proposes a procedure for identifying spectral response curves for earthquake‐damaged areas in developing countries without seismic records. An earthquake‐damaged reinforced concrete building located in Padang, Indonesia was selected to illustrate the identification of the maximum seismic response during the 2009 West Sumatra earthquake. This paper summarizes the damage incurred by the building; the majority of the damage was observed in the third story in the span direction. The damage was quantitatively evaluated using the damage index R according to the Japanese guidelines for post‐earthquake damage evaluation. The damage index was also applied to the proposed spectral response identification method. The seismic performance of the building was evaluated by a nonlinear static analysis. The analytical results reproduced a drift concentration in the third story. The R‐index decreased with an increase in the story drift, which provided an estimation of the maximum response of the building during the earthquake. The estimation was verified via an earthquake response analysis of the building using ground acceleration data, which were simulated based on acceleration records of engineering bedrock that considered site amplification. The maximum response estimated by the R‐index was consistent with the maximum response obtained from the earthquake response analysis. Therefore, the proposed method enables the construction of spectral response curves by integrating the identification results for the maximum responses in a number of earthquake‐damaged buildings despite a lack of seismic records. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

Seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete frames using buckling‐restrained braces with bearing block load transfer mechanism

A new method of retrofitting reinforced concrete (RC) frames with buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs) to improve frame strength, stiffness and energy dissipation is proposed. Instead of typical post‐installed anchors, load is transferred between the BRB and RC frame through compression bearing between an installed steel frame connected to the BRB, and high‐strength mortar blocks constructed at the four corners of the RC frame. This avoids complex on‐site anchor installation, and does not limit the allowable brace force by the anchor strength. Cyclic displacements of increasing amplitudes were imposed on two RC frame specimens retrofitted with different BRB strength capacities. In one of the frames, the bearing blocks were reinforced with wire mesh to mitigate cracking. A third RC frame was also tested as a benchmark to evaluate the retrofit strength and stiffness enhancements. Test results indicate that the proposed method efficiently transferred loads between the BRBs and RC frames, increasing the frame lateral strength while achieving good ductility and energy‐dissipating capacity. When the bearing block was reinforced with wire mesh, the maximum frame lateral strength and stiffness were more than 2.2 and 3.5 times the RC frame without the BRB respectively. The BRB imposes additional shear demands through the bearing blocks to both ends of the RC beam and column member discontinuity regions (D‐regions). The softened strut‐and‐tie model satisfactorily estimated the shear capacities of the D‐regions. A simplified calculation and a detailed PISA3D analysis were shown to effectively predict member demands to within 13.8% difference of the measured test results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pseudo‐dynamic tests of a full‐scale CFT/BRB frame—Part I: Specimen design,experiment and analysis

A series of pseudo‐dynamic tests (PDTs) of a full‐scale 3‐story 3‐bay buckling‐restrained braced frame (BRBF) using concrete‐filled tube columns was tested in the Taiwan National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering using networked PDT techniques in October 2003. During the tests, real‐time experimental responses and video were webcasted to Internet viewers. The input ground motions adopted for the PDTs were chosen from the 1999 Chi‐Chi and the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquakes and scaled to represent three seismic hazard levels. This paper is in two parts, focusing on the investigations of the overall structure and the local members. This paper constitutes Part I and discusses the design, analytical investigations, and key experimental results of the specimen frame, such as the buckling of the brace‐to‐gusset joints. Part II of the paper, the companion paper, describes the gusset stiffening schemes and detailed experimental behavior of the BRBs and their connections. Experimental peak inter‐story drifts of 0.019 and 0.023 radians, prescribed for the design basis and the maximum credible earthquakes, respectively, are within the target design limits of 0.020 and 0.025 radians. These tests confirmed that the PISA3D and OpenSees nonlinear structural analysis computer programs can simulate the experimental peak shears and floor displacements well. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Welded end‐slot connection and debonding layers for buckling‐restrained braces

The debonding mechanism has a significant effect on the performance of a buckling‐restrained brace (BRB). In this paper, a method for estimating the compression strength adjustment factor for any given BRB core strain is presented. Experimental investigations were conducted on four BRBs to examine the efficiency of four different debonding materials in reducing the difference between the cyclic peak compression and tension. Test results indicate that chloroprene rubber is very easy to install and very effective in minimizing the difference between the compressive and tensile capacities. The excellent performance of 13 full‐scale welded end‐slot BRBs (WES‐BRBs) is illustrated through experiments. Cyclic loading test results of a 12.5‐m long jumbo WES‐BRB reveal that its peak compressive strength exceeds 16,800 kN and its maximum core strain reaches 0.035. All WES‐BRBs show satisfactory performance with a very stable hysteresis response, modest peak compressive to tensile strength ratio, and very predictable axial stiffness. These specimens sustain a cumulative plastic deformation of greater than 400 times the yield deformation. The hysteresis responses can be satisfactorily predicted by using a two‐surface plasticity analytical model. Advantages of the welded end‐slot connections are also presented through a discussion on the effects of the BRB yield region length ratio on the effective stiffness, the yield story drift, and the core strain level. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental tests on full‐scale RC unretrofitted frame and retrofitted with buckling‐restrained braces

The results of experimental tests carried out on reinforced concrete (RC) full‐scale 2‐storey 2‐bays framed buildings are presented. The unretrofitted frame was designed for gravity loads only and without seismic details; such frame was assumed as a benchmark system in this study. A similar RC frame was retrofitted with buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs). The earthquake structural performance of both prototypes was investigated experimentally using displacement‐controlled pushover static and cyclic lateral loads. Modal response properties of the prototypes were also determined before and after the occurrence of structural damage. The results of the dynamic response analyses were utilized to assess the existing design rules for the estimation of the elastic and inelastic period of vibrations. Similarly, the values of equivalent damping were compared with code‐base relationships. It was found that the existing formulations need major revisions when they are used to predict the structural response of as‐built RC framed buildings. The equivalent damping ratio ξ_eq was augmented by more than 50% when the BRBs was employed as bracing system. For the retrofitted frame, the overstrength Ω and the ductility µ are 1.6 and 4.1, respectively; the estimated R‐factor is 6.5. The use of BRBs is thus a viable means to enhance efficiently the lateral stiffness and strength, the energy absorption and dissipation capacity of the existing RC substandard frame buildings. The foundation systems and the existing members of the superstructure are generally not overstressed as the seismic demand imposed on them can be controlled by the axial stiffness and the yielding force of the BRBs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

R/C frame–infill interaction model and its application to Indonesian buildings

This paper proposes a new analytical model for masonry‐infilled R/C frames to evaluate the seismic performance considering R/C frame–infill interactions. The proposed analytical model replaces masonry infill with a diagonal compression strut, which represents distributed compression transferred between frame and infill interfaces. The equivalent strut width is presented as a function of the frame–infill contact length, which can be evaluated by static equilibriums related to compression balance and lateral displacement compatibility at the frame–infill interfaces. The proposed analytical model was verified through comparisons with experimental results obtained for several brick masonry‐infilled R/C frames representing a typical R/C building with nonstructural masonry infill in Indonesia. As a result, good agreements were observed between the experimental and analytical values of the lateral strength and ductility of the infilled frames. The seismic performances of two earthquake‐damaged R/C buildings with different damage conditions were evaluated considering infill effects by applying the proposed analytical model. Consequently, the nonstructural brick masonry infill significantly affected the seismic resistances of the buildings, which seemed to lead to differing levels of damage for each building. These results indicate that the proposed analytical model can be an effective tool for more precisely screening earthquake‐vulnerable existing R/C buildings in Indonesia. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

Design and full‐scale experimental evaluation of a seismically endurant steel buckling‐restrained brace system

This paper presents the results of 12 full‐scale tests on buckling‐restrained brace (BRB) specimens. A simple‐to‐fabricate all‐steel encasing joined by high‐strength bolts was used as the buckling‐restrainer mechanism. Steel BRBs offer significant energy dissipation capability through nondeteriorating inelastic response of an internal ductile core. However, seismic performance of BRBs is characterized by interaction between several factors. In this experimental study, the effects of core‐restrainer interfacial condition, gap size, loading history, bolt spacing, and restraining capacity are evaluated. A simple hinge detail is introduced at the brace ends to reduce the flexural demand on the framing components. Tested specimens with bare steel contact surfaces exhibited satisfactory performance under the American Institute of Steel Construction qualification test protocol. The BRBs with friction‐control self‐adhesive polymer liners and a graphite‐based dry lubricant displayed larger cumulative inelastic ductility under large‐amplitude cyclic loading, exceeding current code minimum requirements. The BRB system is also examined under repeated fast‐rate seismic deformation history. This system showed significant ductility capacity and remarkable endurance under dynamic loading. Furthermore, performance is qualified under long‐duration loading history from subduction zone's megathrust type of earthquake. Predictable and stable performance of the proposed hinge detail was confirmed by the test results. Internally imposed normal thrust on the restrainer is measured using series of instrumented bolts. Weak‐ and strong‐axis buckling responses of the core are examined. Higher post‐yield stiffness was achieved when the latter governed, which could be advantageous to the overall seismic response of braced frames incorporating BRBs.     

Seismic performance analysis of BRBs and gussets in a full‐scale 2‐story BRB‐RCF specimen

The implementation of buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs) for new reinforced concrete frame (RCF) constructions is limited. This study investigates the seismic forces and stability in the BRBs and gussets of a 2‐story full‐scale RCF specimen by using Abaqus models and a newly proposed stability evaluation method. The hybrid and cyclic loading test results are accurately predicted by the Abaqus analyses. Existing methods for computing the gusset interface forces for steel buildings from both the brace and the frame actions are compared with the Abaqus results. The applicability of these methods for the BRB‐RCF design is critically evaluated. It is confirmed that the Parallel‐2 method is suitable for estimating the BRB force demand imposed on the corner gusset and the generalized uniform force method is good for the corner gusset at the base. In addition, existing stability evaluation methods for BRBs and gussets are applied to investigate the out‐of‐plane (OOP) buckling of the first‐story BRB observed at the end of tests. The proposed stability model incorporates the BRB restrainer's flexural effects and 4 rotational springs in assessing the BRB's buckling. This model confirms that the BRB and the gusset's OOP buckling limit states could be coupled and must be evaluated together. By incorporating the flexural effects of the steel casing and the infilled grout, the proposed model satisfactorily predicts the OOP buckling of the first‐story BRB and gussets. These research results can be used for the implementation of BRBs in new RC frame constructions.     

Seismic performance and new design procedure for chevron‐braced frames

The paper is concerned with the seismic design of steel‐braced frames in which the braces are configured in a chevron pattern. According to EuroCode 8 (EC8), the behaviour factor q, which allows for the trade‐off between the strength and ductility, is set at 2.5 for chevron‐braced frames, while 6.5 is assigned for most ductile steel moment‐resisting frames. Strength deterioration in post‐buckling regime varies with the brace's slenderness, but EC8 adopts a unique q value irrespective of the brace slenderness. The study focuses on reevaluation of the q value adequate for the seismic design of chevron‐braced frames. The present EC8 method for the calculation of brace strength supplies significantly different elastic stiffnesses and actual strengths for different values of brace slenderness. A new method to estimate the strength of a chevron brace pair is proposed, in which the yield strength (for the brace in tension) and the post‐buckling strength (for the brace in compression) are considered. The new method ensures an identical elastic stiffness and a similar strength regardless of the brace slenderness. The advantage of the proposed method over the conventional EC8 method is demonstrated for the capacity of the proposed method to control the maximum inter‐storey drift. The q values adequate for the chevron‐braced frames are examined in reference to the maximum inter‐storey drifts sustained by most ductile moment‐resisting frames. When the proposed method is employed for strength calculation, the q value of 3.5 is found to be reasonable. It is notable that the proposed method does not require larger cross‐sections for the braces compared to the cross‐sections required for the present EC8 method. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Developing high‐performance aluminum alloy buckling‐restrained braces based on series of low‐cycle fatigue tests

In order to enhance the durability of high‐performance buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs) used in bridge engineering, which are expected to withstand severe earthquakes three times without being replaced, aluminum alloys were employed to manufacture BRBs. A series of low‐cycle fatigue tests, including 18 specimens, were conducted to address the low‐cycle fatigue strength of the aluminum alloy BRB. Test results of all specimens show that stable hysteretic curves were obtained without overall buckling occurrence. Failure mode of the welded aluminum alloy BRB is obviously affected by the ribs' welding under the variable or constant strain amplitude condition. Therefore, another type of aluminum alloy BRB, the bolt‐assembled BRB with or without spot‐welded stoppers, is proposed and tested. Results showed that the low‐cycle fatigue performance of bolt‐assembled BRBs with stoppers improved four to five times compared with welded BRBs. However, the stoppers' spot welding has an adverse effect on the failure mode because the crack, which induced the specimen's failure, initiated from the spot weld toes of the stoppers. Both bolt‐assembled BRBs with and without stoppers can meet the cumulative inelastic deformation requirement proposed for high‐performance BRBs under the constant strain amplitude, not larger than 2%. In addition, under the variable strain amplitude condition, only the bolt‐assembled BRB without stoppers has an excellent cumulative inelastic deformation capacity and sustains two cycles of 2.5% strain amplitude. Finally, recommended Manson–Coffin equations and preliminary cumulative damage formulae for welded and bolt‐assembled BRBs are given as the references of the strain‐based damage evaluation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Development of a hybrid simulation controller for full‐scale experimental investigation of seismic retrofits for soft‐story woodframe buildings

Hybrid simulations of a full‐scale soft‐story woodframe building specimen with various retrofits were carried out as part of the Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation Research project – NEES‐Soft: seismic risk reduction for soft‐story woodframe buildings. The test structure in the hybrid simulation was a three‐story woodframe building that was divided into a numerical substructure of the first story with various retrofits and a full‐scale physical substructure of the upper two stories. Four long‐stroke actuators, two at the second floor and two at the roof diaphragm, were attached to the physical substructure to impose the simulated seismic responses including both translation and in‐plane rotation. Challenges associated with this first implementation of a full‐scale hybrid simulation on a woodframe building were identified. This paper presents the development and validation of a scalable and robust hybrid simulation controller for efficient test site deployment. The development consisted of three incremental validation phases ranging from small‐scale, mid‐scale, to full‐scale tests conducted at three laboratories. Experimental setup, procedure, and results of each phase of the controller development are discussed, demonstrating the effectiveness and efficiency of the incremental controller development approach for large‐scale hybrid simulation programs with complex test setup. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pseudo‐dynamic test of a full‐scale CFT/BRB frame—Part II: Seismic performance of buckling‐restrained braces and connections

This paper is Part II of a two‐part paper describing a full‐scale 3‐story 3‐bay concrete‐filled tube (CFT)/buckling‐restrained braced frame (BRBF) specimen tested using psuedo‐dynamic testing procedures. The first paper described the specimen design, experiment, and simulation, whereas this paper focuses on the experimental responses of BRBs and BRB‐to‐gusset connections. This paper first evaluates the design of the gusset connections and the effects of the added edge stiffeners in improving the seismic performance of gusset connections. Test results suggest that an effective length factor of 2.0 should be considered for the design of the gusset plate without edge stiffeners. Tests also confirm that the cumulative plastic deformation (CPD) capacity of the BRBs adopted in the CFT/BRBF was lower than that found in typical component tests. The tests performed suggest that the reduction in the BRB CPD capacities observed in this full‐scale frame specimen could be due to the significant rotational demands imposed on the BRB‐to‐gusset joints. A simple method of computing such rotational demands from the frame inter‐story drift response demand is proposed. This paper also discusses other key experimental responses of the BRBs, such as effective stiffness, energy dissipation, and ductility demands. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.