Seismic upgrading of RC buildings by buckling restrained braces: Experimental results vs numerical modeling

Two full-scale experimental test results on the lateral load-displacement response of a RC structure seismically retrofitted by buckling restrained braces are first summarized and then compared to numerical modeling. The two tested buckling restrained braces essentially differed for the lateral restraining system: the first type was made using two restraining rectangular tubes that are fully welded together; the second type is detachable, being made again with two restraining rectangular tubes but joined together by means of bolted Omega-shaped steel connections. The measured vibration periods of the braced structure have been used to calibrate elastic structural properties of numerical models, while the theoretical inelastic response was calibrated using the experimental pushover response. The theoretical models also allowed for an investigation into the plastic strain capacity of the tested BRBs.