Comparison of Buckling-Restrained Braced Frames with Different Buckling-Restrained Braced Steel Core Cross-section Areas and Casing Subjected to Blast Loading

Buckling restrained braced frame (BRBF) is widely used and tested for its hysteretic behavior performance under seismic loading conditions. This thesis aims to simulate and investigate the overall performance of BRBF subjects to blast loading. A few simulations and analyses were performed to evaluate the assessment of the impact on two influencing factors, BRB steel core cross-section area and BRB casing geometric. BRB (Buckling Restrained Brace) steel core cross-section areas were modeled and analyzed for TNT ground explosions at a 1 m distance from the BRBF outer column flange surface in the thesis. BRB 2in x 2in steel core cross-section with circular casing and rectangular casing was also compared. All parameters were converted into SI units. The results have indicated that a larger BRB steel core cross-section has effectively increased the blasting resistance of the structure subjected to blasting in a certain weight range. BRB casing condition has a minor effect on structure blasting resistance. Two papers are prepared for publication from the research results.