Seismic performance of buckling-restrained braced frames with varying beam-column connections

The effect of beam-column connections and brace configurations on the overall seismic response of a medium-rise bucklingrestrained braced frame (BRBF) is analytically evaluated in the present study. Two types of brace configurations (chevron and Double-X) and a combination of the moment-resisting and the non-moment-resisting beam-column connections are considered. A total of five design cases are studied for a seven-story BRBF in which a constant value of response reduction (R) factor equal to 8 is considered in the design. Nonlinear dynamic analyses are carried out for all study frames for an ensemble of forty ground motions representing the DBE and MCE hazard levels. Fragility curves are developed for all study frames considering the interstory drift ratio and residual drift ratio as the damage parameters. Results showed that a higher value of response reduction factor should be adopted in the design of BRBFs for both pinned and rigid beam-column connections. Further, in order to achieve the desired seismic performance of BRBFs, Double-X brace configurations and rigid beam-column connections at the alternate story levels should be used.     

Buckling-restrained braced frame connection performance

Large-scale experimental studies of buckling-restrained braced frames (BRBFs) have shown that although they display good overall seismic performance, they may have limitations due to connection failure modes that do not allow the braces to realize their full ductility capacity. These experimental results motivate further investigation of BRBF connection behavior. In this study, nonlinear finite element models are used to study BRBF beam–column–brace connections. The models focus on a one-story subassembly extracted from a previously-tested, four-story BRBF. After the baseline finite element analysis results are verified with experimental data, parametric studies varying the connection configuration are used to assess the key factors influencing performance. Connection configuration is shown to have a significant impact on global system response and localized connection demands.     

Multi-Index Seismic Capacity Evaluation of Buckling-Restrained Braced Frames

The seismic capacity of a structure is determined by the performance index that reaches its ultimate bearing or deformation capacity first. This paper presents a multi-index seismic capacity evaluation method for accurately evaluating the seismic capacity of a structure. The normalized response curves of several indices are concurrently plotted to form a multi-index seismic capacity evaluation figure, in which the seismic capacity and demand values that correspond to various indices can be determined by vertical and horizontal threshold lines. Based on an incremental dynamic analysis (IDA), a 6-story buckling-restrained braced frame (BRBF) and a series of comparable 6-story steel frames are analyzed using the proposed method to verify the method and investigate the seismic behavior of BRBFs. The results show that the seismic performance of buckling-restrained braces is not the only factor that determines the seismic capacity of BRBFs and indicate that the multi-index seismic capacity evaluation method can effectively identify the critical index of a structure and the weakest links that restrict the structural seismic capacity.     

Compressive behavior of central gusset plate connections for a buckling-restrained braced frame

Buckling-restrained braced frames (BRBFs) are used as lateral-load resisting systems in seismic design. The braces in BRBFs are connected to beams and columns by gusset plate connections, and can yield in both tension and compression instead of buckling. Although tests of buckling-restrained braces (BRBs) have demonstrated their ability to withstand significant inelastic axial deformation, large-scale BRBF tests have exhibited central gusset plate buckling before BRBs develop the ultimate compressive strength. To extend and better understand the experimental work, this paper presents an analytical study of the compressive behavior for BRBF central gusset plate connections using the finite element computer program ABAQUS. A model of a previously tested BRBF is conducted to predict experimental buckling load of the central gusset plate and verify the accuracy of a simple model of a central gusset plate connection including a beam and part of the BRB. The out-of-plane deformation of the central gusset plate resembles the buckled shape of a gusset plate with low bending rigidity provided by the BRB end. The experimental buckling load of the central gusset plate cannot be predicted based on the AISC-LRFD approach with an effective column length factor of 1.2. Therefore, a parametric study on the compressive strength of BRBF central gusset plate connections is conducted with various gusset plate dimensions and free-edge stiffeners. An inelastic plate buckling equation together with coefficient charts is proposed to predict ultimate load. For gusset plates with sufficient free-edge stiffener rigidity, the yield load can be developed and increased to the post-yield strength level. A required free-edge stiffener size is also recommended for BRBF central gusset plates to develop compressive yield load.     

Seismic performance of stiffness-based designed buckling-restrained braced frame and special moment-resisting frame dual systems

Conventional procedure for designing dual systems, proposed in seismic regulations, encompasses some limitations such as not putting a required minimum stiffness value for the secondary system. This research investigates the stiffness limit value required for the secondary system for designing buckling-restrained braced frame (BRBF) and special moment-resisting frame (SMRF) dual systems. Non-linear static and time history analyses were carried out on the sample dual structures with different heights and different relative stiffness ratios of the primary system to the secondary system. A stiffness-based designing approach is employed to ensure that the designed system comprises the predefined relative stiffness ratios. It is demonstrated that the suitable stiffness combination ratio is gained when the BRBF and SMRF subsystems have 65% and 35% of the total stiffness, respectively. Implementation of the suitable relative stiffness ratio in the dual systems designed according to the presented approach, leads to a uniform plasticity profile in the height of structures.     

Bracing systems for seismic retrofitting of steel frames

The present study assesses the seismic performance of steel moment resisting frames (MRFs) retrofitted with different bracing systems. Three structural configurations were utilized: special concentrically braces (SCBFs), buckling-restrained braces (BRBFs) and mega-braces (MBFs). A 9-storey steel perimeter MRF was designed with lateral stiffness insufficient to satisfy code drift limitations in zones with high seismic hazard. The frame was then retrofitted with SCBFs, BRBFs and MBFs. Inelastic time-history analyses were carried out to assess the structural performance under earthquake ground motions. Local (member rotations) and global (interstorey and roof drifts) deformations were employed to compare the inelastic response of the retrofitted frames. It is shown that MBFs are the most cost-effective bracing systems. Maximum storey drifts of MBFs are 70% lower than MRFs and about 50% lower than SCBFs. The lateral drift reductions are, however, function of the characteristics of earthquake ground motions, especially frequency content. Configurations with buckling-restrained mega-braces possess seismic performance marginally superior to MBFs despite their greater weight. The amount of steel for structural elements and their connections in configurations with mega-braces is 20% lower than in SCBFs. This reduces the cost of construction and renders MBFs attractive for seismic retrofitting applications.     

钢框架抗震改造的支撑系统研究

评估了采用不同支撑系统改造的抗弯钢框架的抗震性能。共采用3种结构形式:中心支撑框架、防屈曲支撑框架、巨型支撑框架。设计了一横向刚度不足的9层钢框架,满足规范对高地震灾害区域结构的侧移要求。用中心支撑、防屈曲支撑和巨型支撑改造框架。进行非弹性时程分析,评估地震作用下的结构性能。以局部变形(杆件转角)和整体变形(层间及屋顶侧移)为参数,比较改造框架非弹性性能的不同。结果表明:巨型支撑框架是最有效率的支撑系统,其最大层间侧移比抗弯框架低70%,比中心支撑框架低50%。侧移的减小量与地震特性有关,尤其是频率。防屈曲支撑的抗震性能仅稍优于巨型支撑框架,但其总质量更大。巨型支撑框架的杆件和节点用钢量比同心支撑框架低20%,既可降低费用又具有抗震优势。     

新型墙板内置无黏结支撑钢框架滞回性能试验研究

通过墙板内置无黏结支撑钢框架结构的拟静力试验研究,考察了墙板内置支撑的构造、支撑与钢框架的连接、梁柱节点形式与节点区加强方式等对其滞回性能的影响。试验表明,总体上,采用组合墙板和组装墙板的两种新型墙板内置支撑均具有良好的延性,墙板无破坏时支撑的轴向累积非弹性变形能力均满足要求。钢板支撑端部焊接加劲肋后再与钢框架直接焊接连接是可行的,梁柱节点刚接时加强梁端的构造使钢框架和支撑均有稳定的受力性能。梁柱铰接节点因承受面内弯矩而使角钢出现裂纹并受拉断裂。支撑和钢框架分别在层间侧移角约1/355和1/75时进入屈服。总体上,梁柱铰接和刚接的结构在破坏前骨架曲线分别呈双折线和三折线。梁柱刚接的结构中,钢梁翼缘在侧移角约1/50时出现局部屈曲,并在随后更大幅值加载下出现裂纹和受拉断裂。试件最终因局部钢构件的断裂而破坏,破坏时侧移角远大于1/50,破坏前结构的滞回性能较稳定。     

钢框架抗震改造的支撑系统研究

评估了不同支撑系统改造的抗弯钢框架的抗震性能。采用3种结构形式:中心支撑框架、防屈曲支撑框架和巨型支撑框架。设计了一横向刚度不足的9层钢框架,满足规范对高地震灾害区域结构的侧移要求。用中心支撑、防屈曲支撑和巨型支撑改造框架,进行非弹性时程分析,评估地震作用下的结构性能。以局部变形(杆件转角)和整体变形(层间及屋顶侧移)为参数,比较改造框架非弹性性能的不同。结果表明:巨型支撑框架是最有效率的支撑系统,其最大层间侧移比抗弯框架低70%,比中心支撑框架低50%。侧移的减小量与地震特性有关,尤其是频率。防屈曲支撑的抗震性能仅稍优于巨型支撑框架,但其总质量更大。巨型支撑框架的杆件和节点用钢量比中心支撑框架低20%,既降低了费用又体现了抗震优势。     

Simulated behavior of multi-story X-braced frames

Steel braced frames are a commonly used seismic resisting system and thus, multi-story X-braced frames are frequently used. However, research into the behavior of these systems with midspan gusset plates, as used in practice, is limited. As a result, their seismic performance and the influence of connection design on this performance are not well understood. A comprehensive series of inelastic analyses were undertaken to better understand the nonlinear, cyclic behavior of multi-story X-braced frames and their gusset plate connections. Finite element (FE) analyses were conducted and the FE model was developed and verified by comparing the simulated results with cyclic tests and nonlinear analyses of single story systems, conducted at the University of Washington. The verified analytical model and associated failure estimation procedures were used to predict all yield mechanisms and failure modes, frame deformation capacity, and initial cracking and fracture of critical elements within the frame. A parametric study was performed to examine the influence of the gusset plate, framing members and other structural elements on the seismic performance of multi-story X-braced frames. The results show that the design and detailing of the gusset plate has a significant impact on the seismic performance of the frame. Connections designed with proposed end-rotational clearance models, and with strength and stiffness values balanced to the buckling and tensile yield capacities of the brace provided the best ductility and deformation capacity. In addition, the results suggest that floor slabs, gusset plate stiffeners and framing member sizes affect the frame performance and must be considered in the analysis and design of the system.     

耗能减震支撑体系研究及其在世博中心工程中的应用

结合世博中心工程,对防屈曲耗能支撑（BRB）体系的设计关键问题进行研究,包括结构抗震性能目标、BRB布置、BRB的节点设计、BRB产品验收标准等。对世博中心工程中采用的BRB进行足尺试验,试验结果表明：BRB具有较好的滞回性能,满足产品验收标准。BRB的承载力因应变强化和受压而提高,而且不同厂家的产品性能有一定差别,制订统一的产品验收标准是必要的。对耗能减震支撑结构进行静力弹塑性分析和弹塑性动力时程分析,追踪地震作用下结构的受力和变形发展过程,验证中震和大震作用下结构的抗震性能,满足结构抗震性能目标的要求。两种弹塑性分析结果均表明,合理布置BRB,在罕遇地震作用下可使BRB同步屈曲,整体结构具有较好的抗震性能。     

中空夹层钢管混凝土柱与钢-混凝土组合梁节点抗震性能试验研究

以中空夹层钢管混凝土柱与带钢筋混凝土楼板的钢-混凝土组合梁采用高强螺栓及T形钢连接件构成的组合节点的抗震性能为研究对象,对6个十字形组合节点以梁端反对称加载的形式进行拟静力试验。试验中以柱轴压比、加劲肋、T形钢连接件尺寸、楼板厚度和楼板配筋率等为变化参数,研究该组合节点的破坏特征、滞回性能、抗剪性能、承载力衰减、刚度退化规律、耗能特性以及应变变化等力学性能。研究结果表明：柱内置钢管在增加柱受压承载力的同时可以有效增加节点核心区受剪能力,改善了节点整体受力性能;增大楼板配筋率(当1%≤ρ≤ρmax时)和减小柱轴压比(当n≤0.3时)能增强节点总耗能能力,但会降低节点延性且对节点承载力无明显提高作用;T形钢翼缘厚度和设置加劲肋对节点抗震性能影响较大。     

Cyclic flexural analysis and behavior of beam-column connections with gusset plates

This research investigates the cyclic flexural behavior of double-angle concentrically braced frame beam-column connections using three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis. Prior experimental research demonstrated that such connections possess appreciable flexural stiffness, strength, and ductility. The reserve capacity provided by these connections plays a significant role in the seismic behavior of low-ductility concentrically braced frames, so knowledge about the impact of connection parameters on local limit states and global connection performance is needed for employing reserve capacity to design and assess concentrically braced frames. Finite element models were developed and validated against prior experiments with focus on the limit states of failure of the fillet weld between the gusset plate and beam, low-cycle fatigue fracture of the steel angles joining the beam and gusset plate to the column, and bolt fracture. The models were used to evaluate the flexural stiffness, strength, and ductility of braced frame connections with primary attention on the effects of beam depth, angle thickness, and a supplemental seat angle. The finite element analysis demonstrated that increasing beam depth and angle thickness and adding a supplemental seat angle all increased the stiffness and strength of the connection while maintaining deformation capacity. A procedure to estimate the flexural behavior of beam-column connections with gusset plates was developed based on the results of the numerical simulations.     

防屈曲支撑、普通和特殊中心支撑钢框架结构抗震性能分析

基于考虑人字形防屈曲支撑屈服后超强和几乎不再对被撑梁提供竖向支点作用这两个因素,本文提出了采用该种支撑的钢框架结构的设计方法,并分别对采用普通及特殊中心支撑和防屈曲支撑的框架结构的抗震性能进行了对比分析.结果表明,虽然防屈曲和特殊中心支撑框架结构的层间侧移总体上大于普通中心支撑框架结构,但前者的基底剪力却大大低于后者.罕遇地震下,三种结构中的柱子基本保持弹性,普通和特殊中心支撑出现了大幅的平面外失稳,而防屈曲支撑在拉压作用下均进入屈服耗能.三种结构中被撑梁的最大挠度在支撑屈服或失稳前后分别出现在撑点两侧和撑点位置.屈服后的防屈曲支撑几乎不产生对被撑梁竖直向下的不平衡剪力,而失稳后的普通和特殊中心支撑则对被撑梁产生较大的不平衡剪力.     

Seismic response of steel frames with self-centeringbuckling-restrained braces

自复位防屈曲支撑构件在拟静力试验中表现出良好的复位性能及耗能能力。但是,自复位防屈曲支撑钢框架中支撑与主体结构的刚度关系,以及结构中的复位系统与耗能系统的关系如何合理设置,都需要借助结构试验或参数分析来解决。根据我国现行规范设计了钢框架结构,在构件试验研究及理论分析基础上给出了自复位防屈曲支撑钢框架结构的三线性恢复力模型,并用有限元软件ANSYS建立结构模型。根据此模型对防屈曲支撑钢框架和自复位防屈曲支撑钢框架结构进行了抗震性能对比。通过自复位防屈曲支撑动力位移反应分析,研究了支撑与结构刚度比αB/M,结构耗能系统与复位系统的屈服力比β及其刚度比αc三个重要参数。结果表明：自复位防屈曲支撑钢框架结构最大位移及残余位移角均小于防屈曲支撑钢框架结构的。结构刚度比αB/M越大越有利于减少残余变形;屈服力比β越大结构位移响应越小;刚度比αc越大结构位移响应越小。在初始设计时,建议钢框架结构的αB/M取为3;β取0.5~0.9;αc取为0.5。     

Hysteretic behaviour of flush end plate joints to concrete-filled steel tubular columns

The results of an experimental research study involving the testing of four bolted moment-resisting connections under simulated seismic loading conditions are presented. Each test specimen modeled the interior joint of a moment-resisting frame consisting of H-shaped steel beams and circular or square concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns using high-strength blind bolts. In order to investigate the seismic behaviour of the blind bolted flush end plate joints to CFST columns, the hysteretic performance, failure modes, stiffness degradation and energy dissipation of the connection type are evaluated in detail. The test parameters varied included the column section type and the thickness of the end plate. The experimental results indicate that both the blind bolted connections with circular and square sections exhibited excellent hysteretic behaviour in terms of their moment–rotation response, strain distributions and energy dissipation. Under cyclic loading, all tested specimens displayed large rotation ductility capacities, and the failure modes were similar to those under monotonic loads. The effects of cyclic loading on the behaviour of the composite joint were obvious, especially on load bearing and stiffness of the connections. The joint type exhibited excellent seismic performance, so that it can be effectively utilized in moment-resisting composite frame structures.     

基于能量平衡的梁柱刚接防屈曲支撑钢框架设计方法

针对梁柱刚接的防屈曲支撑钢框架,根据能量平衡的概念提出基于能量的抗震设计方法,使结构在罕遇地震作用下满足给定的目标位移。设计方法以钢框架与防屈曲支撑在目标位移下耗散的能量之和等于地震输入能量为准则进行能量分配。地震输入能量以原钢框架的地震输入能量为基准,计入结构周期和延性变化的影响进行调整后得到,并以结构在位移幅值下循环1周耗能作为总耗能。建立防屈曲支撑的耗能需求曲线和目标位移下的耗能能力曲线,求得防屈曲支撑的截面面积。应用此方法设计3跨5层的防屈曲支撑钢框架结构,采用ANSYS软件建立有限元模型,对所设计的钢框架结构进行罕遇地震作用下的时程分析,结果表明：应用此方法设计的梁柱刚接防屈曲支撑框架在地震作用下最大层间位移角与给定的设计目标较为一致,所设计的结构安全可靠。     

Seismic design and assessment for midrise buildings equipped with damped-outrigger system

The damped-outrigger system has been proposed to improve the performance of conventional outrigger systems in controlling the structural seismic response by increasing the damping and stiffness. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of using damped-outrigger systems in midrise buildings and provide engineers with a comparison between conventional structural systems such as moment resisting frame (MRF) and buckling-restrained braced frame (BRBF) in proposing the most suitable structural system. In this study, the buckling-restrained brace and viscous damper are adopted as the energy dissipation devices in the damped-outrigger system. A total of 48 midrise numerical models with various building heights and structural systems are analyzed using nonlinear response history analysis and incremental dynamic analyses. The analysis results show that the midrise buildings equipped with a damped-outrigger system with either viscous damper or buckling-restrained brace (BRB) can reach similar and even better seismic performance when compared with the BRBF; it also reduces the structural responses by around 30% for the maximum roof drift and acceleration responses when compared with MRF. The analysis results could provide a reference for structural engineers when selecting suitable lateral force resisting systems for midrise buildings.     

Effects of connection deformation softening on behavior of steel moment frames subjected to earthquakes

In the years since the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the profession has paid significant attention to the potential effects of various forms of deterioration in connection strength and stiffness that steel moment-resisting frames can experience during severe seismic excitations. The brittle connection fractures that a number of welded steel moment-resisting frame structures experienced during recent earthquakes have been the most extensively studied to date. However, cyclic testing of post-Northridge beam-column connections demonstrates that ductile connections may suffer other forms of deterioration. Negative post-yield tangent stiffness or capping, hereafter referred to as deformation softening, is a behavior of particular interest because it may have significant adverse effects on frame system behavior. The effects of deformation softening on frames subjected to pulse excitations were examined as part of an integrated experimental and analytical investigation of the effect of various forms of hysteretic deterioration on the overall system behavior of moment resisting steel frames. Pulse excitations, and the near-field ground motions they represent, can be highly damaging to structures and are therefore the primary focus of the results presented in this paper. The experimental portion of this study consisted of a series of thirty-two shaking table tests, which were performed on a one-third scale, two-story, one bay, steel moment frame with idealized, mechanical connections. These tests and subsequent analytical studies show that, in general, significant loss of connection strength capacity, whether from deformation softening or other types of deterioration, leads to large residual drifts and, for large pulse excitations with durations longer than the fundamental period of the structure, to collapse. In particular, frames with connections exhibiting negative post-yield stiffness tend to have substantially increased peak and residual displacements when subjected to pulse excitations.     

含有屈曲约束支撑平面框架的抗震性能试验研究

为了研究含有屈曲约束支撑结构的抗震性能,对含有屈曲约束支撑和普通支撑的平面框架进行了试验研究。结合试件破坏现象及试验结果,对屈曲约束支撑的力学性能、破坏机理以及作用效果进行了分析探讨。同时,还对试验过程进行了数值模拟分析。试验及理论分析结果表明:与含普通支撑框架相比,含屈曲约束支撑的框架在提高承载力的同时,还具有更稳定的耗能能力;经过适当的设计,可以使屈曲约束支撑先于主体结构进入弹塑性状态,提高结构的抗震性能。