EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR OF UNBONDED-BRACES

Abstract

In applying dampers on structures for reducing response against seismic forces, confirming dynamic performances of such dampers are essential for guaranteeing safety of whole structural system. In this paper, axial-type elasto-plastic dampers (Unbonded Braces) are examined on full-scale dynamic test-system using shaking table with real-time response against recorded earthquake shake. As a result, dynamic performances of whole system of this type of dampers, including effect of restraint encasement, welding, local buckling, local bending etc., are confirmed and reported. The test covers maximum axial stress up to 7.2%, and cumulative plastic-ratio up to 1,400.