Component Testing of Buckling Restrained Braces (BRB) Using Steel-Mortar Planks
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This study investigates hysteretic performances of two full-scale alternative types of BRB specimens under reversed cyclic displacements according to the AISC-341-22 loading protocol. Both BRBs, designed in Japan and manufactured in Turkey using local materials and workmanship, were identical in terms of core section properties made out of S235JR steel, having the same core plastic zone length (65% L). The major difference was the reduced height of the restraining case in one specimen, affecting the restraining part. Special emphasis is specifically paid on the restraining index—the ratio of the Euler buckling load of the brace to the core yield strength. Seismic/cyclic performance metrics, including hysteretic behaviour, dissipated energy, and equivalent damping ratios are evaluated. Average compression strength and strain hardening adjustment factors were both below 1.15. Production and design optimization using precast steel-mortar planks allowed high precision and compatibility with modern prefabrication practices. Results confirmed that the locally developed BRBs exhibited excellent ductility, satisfying AISC-341-22 performance requirements. Additionally, lower restraining indices led to cost-effective BRB designs without stability risks, demonstrating the feasibility of BRBs in new or retrofitted structures for improved seismic resilience.