LOW CYCLE FATIGUE CHARACTERISTICS AND CUMULATIVE FATIGUE DAMAGE OF UNBONDED BRACE DAMPER BUCKLING-RESTRAINED BY CHANNEL SECTION STEEL

Abstract

Low cycle fatigue tests and dynamic loading tests using several seismic response wave were carried out for the un-bonded brace damper that consists channel steel restraining its buckling. The result indicated that low cycle fatigue characteristics of this damper can be evaluated by Manson-Coffin equation and cumulative fatigue damage level that is evaluated by design curve proposed in the tests with Miner's rule was almost 1. As a result proposed design fatigue curve and evaluation method based on low cycle fatigue characteristics are considered reasonable for the damage level evaluation in seismic response.