Buckling-restrained brace

[1] The concept of BRBs was developed in Japan by Nippon Steel at the end of the 1980s[2] and was known by its trademark name of Unbonded Brace.

The increased cross-sectional area of the non-yielding section ensures that it remains elastic, and thus plasticity is concentrated in the middle part of the steel core.

The design criterion for the casing is to provide adequate lateral restraint (i.e. rigidity) against the steel core buckling.

Experimental results prove the ductile, stable and repeatable hysteretic behavior of structures built with BRBs.

Comparative studies, as well as completed construction projects, confirm the advantages of buckling-restrained braced frame (BRBF) systems.

Finally, in the event of an earthquake, since the damage is concentrated over a relatively small area (the brace's yielding core), post-earthquake investigation and replacement is relatively easy.

[12] Buckling restrained braces rely on the ductility of the steel core to dissipate seismic energy.

Buckling restrained braces rely on ductility and generally must be replaced after usage during a major earthquake.