Buckling-restrained braced frame connection performance

Large-scale experimental studies of buckling-restrained braced frames (BRBFs) have shown that although they display good overall seismic performance, they may have limitations due to connection failure modes that do not allow the braces to realize their full ductility capacity. These experimental results motivate further investigation of BRBF connection behavior. In this study, nonlinear finite element models are used to study BRBF beam–column–brace connections. The models focus on a one-story subassembly extracted from a previously-tested, four-story BRBF. After the baseline finite element analysis results are verified with experimental data, parametric studies varying the connection configuration are used to assess the key factors influencing performance. Connection configuration is shown to have a significant impact on global system response and localized connection demands.