Application of pre-stressed CFRP rods in self-centring buckling-restrained brace for enhanced seismic resilience

Abstract

The self-centring brace is recognized as one of the practical solutions for mitigating catastrophic consequences caused by earthquakes and improving structural resilience. Compared to the current methods where self-centring capacity is typically provided by pre-stressed steel rods or disc springs, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) material of higher tensile strength and deformation capacity is emerging as a preferred alternative to traditional materials. Based on that, this study mainly aims to propose a novel self-centring buckling-restrained brace (SC-BRB) by using pre-stressed CFRP rods as self-centring components, named the CFRP-SC-BRB. First, component-level analysis was conducted by experimental and numerical methods, to verify the feasibility of the designed configuration. Cyclic and ultra-low-cycle fatigue tests on the specimen demonstrated the excellent performance of the CFRP-SC-BRB, with the peak force of the brace at the drift ratio of 1/120 over 2900 kN and a residual drift ratio controlled below 0.5%. Finite element models in refined and simplified methods were validated by the experimental results and theoretical prediction. Then, a series of system-level analyses are carried out on a prototype frame incorporating the proposed CFRP-SC-BRBs. Compared to the original design with conventional BRBs, seismic responses of the frame fully or partially replaced by the SC-BRBs show a competitive advantage in seismic performance. Especially for the SC-BRB frame with full replacement, the median residual inter-storey drift ratios are reduced by 29.3% and 50.5% under design basis and maximum considered earthquakes, respectively, compared to the conventional BRB frame. In conclusion, it is demonstrated that the proposed CFRP-SC-BRB is effective in improving seismic resilience both at component and system levels. Practical suggestions are also provided to address potential challenges in promoting the novel product in actual application.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

carbon fibre reinforced polymer / self-centring / buckling-restrained brace / seismic analysis / resilience

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