Simulating Buckling-Restrained Brace (BRB) under cyclic loading Abaqus

Project Overview

In this example, we simulate a Buckling-Restrained Brace (BRB) under cyclic loading using the Abaqus software.

The Buckling-Restrained Brace consists of three main components: a steel core, a steel tube, and concrete encasement.

The steel core is the main load-carrying component of the BRB. It absorbs the applied loads and dissipates energy during cyclic loading. The concrete encasement supports the steel core and prevents it from buckling.

Buckling-Restrained Brace (BRB) model in Abaqus.

Steel Core inside the Concrete-Filled Steel Tube

The steel core is placed inside the concrete-filled steel tube. This configuration allows the concrete encasement to provide lateral support for the steel core while the steel core carries the applied cyclic loads.

Steel core placed inside the concrete-filled steel tube.

Interaction between Concrete and Steel Tube

The interaction between the concrete encasement and the steel tube is defined using a Tie Constraint.

By using the Tie Constraint, the concrete and steel tube are tied together so that there is no relative movement between the two components at the tied surfaces.

Tie Constraint defined between the concrete and steel tube.

Gap between Steel Core and Concrete

A gap is provided between the concrete encasement and the middle portion of the steel core. This gap allows the steel core to undergo axial deformation during cyclic loading without being directly restrained by the surrounding concrete in this region.

Gap between the steel core and the concrete encasement.

Cyclic Loading and Hysteresis Diagram

The BRB is subjected to cyclic loading in Abaqus. The response of the brace is evaluated by obtaining its hysteresis diagram.

Hysteresis diagram of the Buckling-Restrained Brace.

Validation of the Model

This project has been validated by comparing the Abaqus results with the results reported in the reference article. The numerical results obtained from Abaqus are similar to the results presented in the article.

Therefore, this project is based on the corresponding research article and provides an Abaqus model for reproducing the reported cyclic behavior of the BRB.

Comparison of the Abaqus results with the reference article.

What You Will Learn

• How to simulate a Buckling-Restrained Brace (BRB) in Abaqus.
• How to model the steel core, steel tube, and concrete encasement.
• How the steel core dissipates energy under cyclic loading.
• How the concrete encasement prevents buckling of the steel core.
• How to place the steel core inside a concrete-filled steel tube.
• How to define the interaction between concrete and steel tube using a Tie Constraint.
• How to define the gap between the steel core and concrete encasement.
• How to apply cyclic loading to the BRB.
• How to obtain the hysteresis diagram of the BRB.
• How to evaluate the cyclic response and energy dissipation behavior.
• How to validate Abaqus results against a research article.

Key Features

• Buckling-Restrained Brace (BRB) simulation in Abaqus.
• Steel core, steel tube, and concrete encasement.
• Concrete-filled steel tube configuration.
• Tie Constraint between concrete and steel tube.
• Gap between the steel core and concrete encasement.
• Cyclic loading.
• Hysteresis diagram.
• Energy dissipation behavior.
• Validation against a research article.

Reference

This project is based on the experimental study provided in the reference research paper. The paper is included with the project files and can be used to review the experimental setup, loading protocol, and reported results.