Pseudo-Static Test of Buckling-Restrained Braces Using Friction Energy Consumption

To achieve a controllable carrying and deformation capacity without needing post-earthquake replacement, this study introduces a novel design for buckling-restrained braces, leveraging friction energy dissipation. The braces comprise four integral components: an inner steel tube, a high-strength compression spring, a friction plate, and an outer steel tube. An axial cyclic loading test conducted on three distinct sets of specimens with varied components investigates the carrying capacity, deformation capacity, and energy dissipation capacity of the buckling-restrained braces. Furthermore, an analysis is performed to assess the influence of the high-strength compression spring and friction plate material on the overall performance of the buckling-restrained braces. The test results demonstrate that, in comparison with the traditional buckling restrained brace, the friction buckling restrained brace exhibits the following advantages: (1) The hysteresis curve of the friction dissipative buckling restrained brace exhibits superior coverage compared to that of the traditional buckling restrained brace; (2) the FBRB demonstrates enhanced load-carrying, deformation, and energy dissipation capabilities compared to the BRB; and (3) the FBRB exhibits a distinctive axial adjustment capacity due to the incorporation of spring members, which can extend the service life of the member. The findings indicate that this type of buckling-restrained brace exhibits an adjustable carrying and deformation capacity, a complete hysteretic curve, and no buckling of the core member under compression. The application of these braces proves effective in significantly reducing the cost of structural rehabilitation post-earthquake.