Structural behavior of conventional and buckling restrained braced frames subjected to near-field ground motions

In this study, nonlinear dynamic analyses were performed in order to evaluate and compare the structural response of different type of moment resisting frame buildings equipped with conventional braces (CBs) and buckling restrained braces (BRBs) subjected to near-field ground motions. For this, the case study frames, namely, ordinary moment-resisting frame (OMRF) and special moment-resisting frame (SMRF) having two equal bays of 6 m and a total height of 20 m were utilized. Then, CBs and BRBs were inserted in the bays of the existing frames. As a brace pattern, diagonal type with different configurations were used for the braced frame structures. For the earthquake excitation, artificial pulses equivalent to Northridge and Kobe earthquake records were taken into account. The results in terms of the inter-story drift index, global damage index, base shear, top shear, damage index, and plastification were discussed. The analysis of the results indicated a considerable improvement in the structural performance of the existing frames with the inclusion of conventional and especially buckling-restrained braces.