Experimental Seismic Performance of X-Braces with Heavy Mid-Length Connection

Configuration of mid-length connection of X-braces affects system performance by changing the stiffness, effective length factor and modal shapes. In this paper, the effects of central core along with peripheral frame with rigid connections discussed using experimental tools. Findings show the benefits of using the heavy central core at the middle connection of diagonals to increase the flexural stiffness of diagonals, decrease the effective length factor of braces and force them to buckle in the second mode. In addition, load carrying capacity of the system increased.

Keywords:

Heavy Central Core , Buckling , Stiffness , Bracing , Middle Connection