On the seismic behaviour of tension-only concentrically braced steel structures

This paper summarizes the estimated results from three-dimensional non-linear time-history seismic analysis of tension-only concentrically braced steel structures. The braces of these type of steel structures are properly detailed in order to sustain only tension and no compression. In particular, a cheap and easy to fabricate brace detailing allows the brace to slide when in compression and to develop a resisting force when in tension. A comparison between steel structures designed with the proposed tension-only braces and with buckling-restrained braces is performed on the basis of commonly used seismic response and demand indices. It is shown that tension-only and buckling-restrained braced structures may exhibit similar behavior. Nevertheless, column overstress in compression is larger for the tension-only braced structures. Preliminary conclusions regarding the use of the proposed tension-only braces as a seismic force-resisting system for steel structures are drawn.