Seismic Analysis of Structure with Self-centering Variable Friction Brace Based on Spectral Method

The seismic response of structures is pivotal in ensuring their safety and resilience against earthquakes. While traditional methods rely on elastic response spectrum to predict seismic behavior, accurately estimating the elastic-plastic response, particularly in structures equipped with intricate dissipative devices, remains challenging. This paper explores a novel self-centering variable friction energy dissipation brace (SCVFB) system that addresses this challenge. Through finite element analysis, the elastic-plastic displacement response spectrum and the strength discount factor spectrum are obtained. By subjecting a five-story frame with SCVFBs to seismic testing through elastic-plastic time-history analyses, a comparison of the results with those predicted by spectral methods is conducted. Remarkably, the results from both approaches are closely aligned, confirming that the seismic response of structures equipped with SCVFBs, as evaluated via spectral methods, offers valuable insights for structural design.