Experimental study on hysteretic performance of steel-plate assembled buckling-restrained brace

A steel-plate assembled buckling-restrained brace (PABRB) is proposed. All parts of PABRB are assembled by steel plates, while the core unit is weakened by perforating in order to yield at desired and multiple locations and the restraining ends are strengthened to prevent local buckling. Three specimens were designed, made and tested under statically cyclic loading to analyze seismic performances affected by the perforated core unit, the details of ends, and the connections. It is concluded that the PABRB exhibits a full hysteretic curve and stable energy dissipation performance, the equivalent viscous damping ratio veries from 0.37 to 0.48, and possess the favorable ductility and cumulative plastic deformation performance. The compression strength adjustment factor under design displacement can satisfy the code requirements, while the characteristic can be represented by bilinear model. The specimen can be designed to yield at desired and multiple locations by corresponding perforation on the core unit. Strengthening of the ends of PABRB can effectively guarantee its normal operation, while the performance can be ensured regardless of rigid or pin connection.