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.