Cyclic experiments and global buckling design of steel-angle-assembled buckling-restrained braces

Compared with traditional buckling-restrained brace (BRB), the steel-angle-assembled (SAA-BRB) is an innovative BRB light-weight, accurate control of geometrical dimensions, easy installation, and convenient disassembly. The SAA-BRB comprises external restraining system a cruciform-sectional inner core. Four steel angles assemble connection high-strength bolts, spacers are installed between core system. In this study, hysteretic behavior was investigated by experiments finite element (FE) simulations. Firstly, three specimens different ratios were tested under cyclic loads to investigate performance. It found that all exhibited stable responses satisfactory energy-dissipating capabilities during whole loading process. Then, refined FE model established, verified its validity in predicting SAA-BRB. Moreover, based on yielding criteria outmost fiber for member section, design formula ratio requirements avoid global buckling deduced. Finally, extensive parametric analysis conducted verify accuracy changing geometric dimensions (the ratio) models. proposed requirement could lead conservative prediction reasonable accuracy, thus providing valuable references SAA-BRBs engineering practice.