ABSTRACT
A simple analytical model for predicting the cyclic behavior of buckling-restrained braces is proposed. The elasto-plastic large deflection behavior under monotonic compression as well as cyclic compression-tension loading is investigated by means of a FEM beam element analysis. The results of cyclic analyses are compared with some pilot test results. The core member behavior found in the numerical analysis, i.e. the fundamental deformation mode is gradually shifted to higher deformation modes as the load increases, is clearly reproduced. Both cyclic loading analysis and test results show that the buckling-restrained braces have stable load-displacement relations in compression as well as in tension, and the both results are in excellent agreement.
