Experimental Characterization of Practical Scale Buckling Restrained Braces under Cyclic Testing

Cyclic testing of four 1:4 scale buckling restrained braces (BRB), built with local materials and labor are realized. The braces consist of a configuration of steel plate core, an insulating surface, filling mortar as confining material and hollow steel structural as a confinement sleeve. The force-displacement curves, the characteristic curve of the braces and the adjustment strength factors are determined and studied. It is concluded that the tests satisfy the acceptance criteria for qualifying cyclic testing. There is no stiffness degradation of hysteresis loops. The cumulative inelastic axial deformation of the specimen is higher than recommended normative.