ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to compare the seismic response of two non-linear seismic force resisting systems that may be used in low-to mid-rise steel building structures. These systems are the buckling re-strained braced frame (BRB frame) and the self-centering energy-dissipative braced frame (SCED braced frame). Both systems provide energy dissipation as well as a force limitation mechanism (a structural fuse) when subjected to earthquake loads. This allows the buildings using these systems to be designed according to capacity design principles to limit stresses in all members of the structure.
