| New innovations in seismic load resisting systems have recognized the approach of isolating inelastic deformations to primary, permanently attached components may, in fact, be flawed. The current design approach is to provide systems that withstand relatively large story drifts, while experiencing controlled inelastic deformations to dissipate energy. By isolating inelastic deformations to easily accessible, bolted components that can be relatively inexpensively removed and replaced, a serviceable seismic system can be achieved.;This research investigates the viability of a fully bolted configuration of a buckling restrained brace frame (BRBF). It contains the results of two full-scale BRBF one-bay, one-story frame tests. The frame connections were detailed such that after a major seismic event the brace would absorb most of the inelastic energy. The brace acts as the replaceable "fuse" in the serviceable system, being the only primary structural component replaced from one test to the next. The Appendix T of ANSI/AISC 341-05 (AISC 341, 2005) translation/drift test regime was used. The first BRB (WC 250) and connections performed well and the system illustrated robust and stable hysteric behavior. The frame was re-plumbed and another brace (WC 200) was installed.;This research contains the test description and results for global behavior for the frame and local strains in areas of interest. It was demonstrated that the connection details can accommodate the significant drift requirements. The information from these tests was used to develop recommendations for proportioning and configuring the members and connections. |
