Modelling and Application of Bucking Restrained Braces for Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering Frameworks

Purpose: This paper proposes a more efficient methodology of calculation than methodologies proposed by literature for the design of Buckling Restrained Braces (BRBs) in the framework of the Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering (PBEE). Methods: The methodology is based on non-linear dynamic analyses with multiple scaled records to each PBEE level and the statistical treatment of the results. As a case study, a PC-BRB all-steel type has been applied to a RC 8-story frame structure. The BRB used in this research is a pinned diagonal type. The fundamental parameters of BRBs to attend PBEE requirements it was firstly established and a complete methodology to retrofit a reinforced concrete frame were finally proposed. Results: Very promising results are discussed. As for example, it has been demonstrated that the initial values obtained from a static simplified method are appropriate as the first stage of the design process.