Interaction between bracing system and moment resisting frame in braced RC frames

One of the most suitable choices in design and improvement of reinforced concrete frames is using steel bracings. In this study the results of two experimental models of reinforced concrete frames are investigated. Both frames are designed based on old traditional codes, but one of them is strengthened with steel X-bracing. With respect to experimental results and using ANSYS software, the finite element model related to these frames is made and calibrated, and then nonlinear analyses under additive cyclic static loading are performed. For assessment of interaction between two braced- and bare-frame systems, a new numerical model is developed. The results show considerable interaction effects between two systems in enhancement of seismic characteristics of compound system, especially on increasing of energy damping.