Seismically Resilient Concentrically Braced Frames with Replaceable Brace Modules

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Concentrically braced frames are a common seismic force resisting system because of their good ductility, together with their ability to meet code-mandated drift limits. To ensure ductility, the HSS brace is commonly slotted and field welded to the gusset plate. This is expensive and complicates quality control, and the damage to this connection from a design-level earthquake is likely to be difficult to repair.To address these issues, a previous collaborative project developed an initial concept for a replaceable brace module. Proof-of-concept testing of the individual modules showed that they could achieve all of the design requirements, and analytical modelling showed that the additional flexibility at beam-column connections would not create problems in typical low- to mid-rise applications.This work represents the next step in the development of this project, extending from the original component testing and modelling to consider the system-level effects of including replaceable brace modules within a building frame. These effects will be evaluated through large-scale physical testing at McMaster University.By developing a new connection detail and improving the understanding of the seismic performance of CBFs, this research is expected to lead to safer and more economical steel structures in seismic areas. This will benefit the industrial partners by making steel more competitive, it will benefit building owners by making building construction more financially viable, and it will benefit the public by enabling safer and more reliable seismic design.