Abstract:
The objective of this paper is to introduce a self-centering tension-only brace using the Resilient Slip Friction Joint (RSFJ) for seismic proofing of new and existing structures. This brace exhibits self-centering, non-pinching and non-slack behavior, energy dissipation and simplicity of design and implementation. Non-linear time-history analyses (NLTHAs) have been performed on a simple 2D steel braced frame to investigate the performance of this new system and compare it with the conventional elastic systems. On this frame, first, a conventional tension-only brace has been modelled and then RSFJs were added to the same frame at the end of the previous braces. Owing to the superior performance of the RSFJ, the seismic base shear of the frame decreased by a factor of 3. Moreover, a full-scale 5 m high by 3.1 m long simple 2D steel frame has been designed with the RSFJs to undergo dynamic loading regime to illustrate the performance of the brace experimentally. Before this frame test, the designed joints were tested as components to verify their performance. Following the numerical modeling and completed testing programs, it can be concluded that this brace can entice the practitioners into utilizing it in damageavoidance construction and seismic upgrading of existing structures; firstly because it can reduce the seismic base shear drastically and secondly the system is self-centered because of the flag-shape behavior of the joint and elastic behavior of other members under dynamic loading.