Buckling-Restrained Brace (BRB) Modelling Using ETABS

Without the Built-in BRB Sections

Linear Elastic Analysis
Equivalent Static or Modal Response Spectrum Methods

Behnam Zaboli
PhD, ME, BE (Hons)

April 2024
INTRODUCTION
The structural analysis of BRBFs is generally carried out on a similar basis to conventional Concentrically Braced Frames (CBFs), with the
main distinction being the adjustment of the brace stiffness as well as the prevention of compression buckling in the bracing members.

Therefore, the key factors to consider when analysing the BRBF include modelling the effective stiffness of the BRB members while
preventing compression buckling.

As a non-prismatic member, the BRB core consists of two primary regions: the yielding region and the elastic non-yielding region. These
regions must be taken into account for the appropriate evaluation of the effective stiffness.

Rigid zone

p p
Lw θ Lw θ
Lc Lc
Storey YLR = Lc / Lwp
Yielding
drift (%)
core

Single diagonal configuration Chevron configuration

The effective stiffness factor primarily depends on the Yield Length Ratio (YLR) of the BRB, defined as YLR = Lc/Lwp, where “Lc” represents
the yielding core length and “Lwp” represents the work-point length. For example, under the assumption of a rigid end zone, when
YLR=2/3, the effective stiffness factor becomes 3/2=1.5.

Linear Elastic Analysis, B. Zaboli (April 2024) 2

INTRODUCTION
All braces are modelled as pinned-pinned, and the BRB core areas are sized to be approximately equal to Ac = Py Τ 0.9Fy,min in which
Fy,min is the specified minimum yield stress.

In order to minimise the concentration of inelastic demand, it is recommended to maintain relatively similar demand-to-capacity ratios
(DCRs) for BRBs throughout the building's height and across its floor plan.

The effective stiffness of BRB can be established using the stiffness modification factor, denoted as "Q", as follows:
EAc
K eff = Q
Lwp

where “E” is the modulus of elasticity of steel, “Ac” is the cross-sectional area of the yielding region of the core, and “Lwp” is the work-
point length.

For example, if Ac=8000 mm^2, E=200,000 MPa, Lwp=6000 mm, and Q=1.57:
EAc (200,000)(8000)
K eff = Q = 1.57 = 419 kNΤmm
Lwp 6000

To represent the effective stiffness of the BRB, the general method used involves adjusting the yielding core cross-sectional area (Ac ),
while the adjusted prismatic yielding core section extends from work-point to work-point. In fact, the Q-factor is multiplied by the
yielding core area (Ac ) to account for the effective elastic stiffness of the non-prismatic BRB element.

Linear Elastic Analysis, B. Zaboli (April 2024) 3

MATERIAL PROPERTY
The material properties are defined to suit the actual steel grade of the core plate, in accordance with the specifications provided by the
BRB manufacturer.

Define > Material Properties > Add New Material

Linear Elastic Analysis, B. Zaboli (April 2024) 4

SECTION PROPERTY
In order to prevent brace buckling in compression and ensure similar tensile and compression strengths in design, one approach is to
define the brace section with very high moments of inertia.

The Frame Section Properties form presents the properties associated with each frame section. However, the values within the form
cannot be modified except for a “General Section”. Therefore, the BRB section is defined as a General Section as follows:

Define > Section Properties > Frame Sections > Add New Property > General

The Q-factors vary based on the core

area and length of the BRB. Thus, it is
recommended to incorporate both
the core area and the Q-factor into
the “Property Name” to reflect the
corresponding parameters used in the
Section.

Linear Elastic Analysis, B. Zaboli (April 2024) 5

SECTION PROPERTY
Go to the “Property Modifers” and modify the cross-section (axial) area to match the values of the
Q-factor specific to that particular BRB.

As indicated, the Property/Stiffness

Modifiers are only used for analysis, while
the design properties of the member remain
unaffected.

Note that the Property Modifiers can also be assigned to a specific element by selecting the element and from:
Assign > Frame > Property Modifiers
However, it's important to highlight that using both methods at the same time will introduce modelling discrepancies as ETABS
multiplies these two factors.

Linear Elastic Analysis, B. Zaboli (April 2024) 6

SECTION PROPERTY
Go to “Modify/Show Section Properties” and modify the area to the desired BRB
core area and increase other Section Properties to a very high value as shown
below:

When the section property is defined, assign the section to the brace element:
Select the brace element > Assign > Frame > Section Property > BRB_8000_1.57

Linear Elastic Analysis, B. Zaboli (April 2024) 7

VERIFICATION
The BRB model can be verified by using a simply supported member and comparing the effective stiffness of the BRB element with the
theoretical value:

Run the analysis:

Keff(theory) = 419 kN⁄mm

Keff(ETABS) = force/deformation=2000/4.777 = 419 kN/mm

Run the design and check the calculation results summary:

Linear Elastic Analysis, B. Zaboli (April 2024) 8

CAPACITY DESIGN
Once the core plates are sized to provide the minimum required yield Elastic force level
strength, the other supporting structural system are protected through Ve
capacity design using the maximum adjusted strengths of the BRBs in tension
(Tmax ) and compression (Cmax ).

Base shear, V
BRBFs are a specialist form of CBFs. In New Zealand, the high-level
requirements for the design of CBFs are given in NZS 3404, and the BRBF Capacity design level
Vm
systems are designed as systems with braces effective in tension and
compression.
Design force level
Vy
The capacity design procedure is generally applied on a similar basis to First
yielding
conventional CBFs, with the post-buckled compression capacity slenderness
Δy Δe
reduction factor for the BRB taken as one.

The detailed capacity design procedure is given in HERA Report R4-76. With Lateral deformation, Δ
the BRB system, incorporate the maximum adjusted strengths of the BRBs in
tension ( Tmax ) and compression ( Cmax ) throughout the procedure to General Structural Response
determine the greatest demands on the collector beams, columns, and other
supporting structural members of the BRBF system. Designers need to
understand the direction of the forces involved in each step of the capacity
design procedure and apply them accordingly.

If an equation for design actions on the member generates a negative

answer, this means that the force generated by the expression is in the
opposite direction to that generated by a CBF system. When determining the
column capacity design derived actions and column design actions, use the
case “compression braces do not buckle”.

Coordination with the BRB manufacturer is recommended to obtain

appropriate overstrength factors for capacity design.

Linear Elastic Analysis, B. Zaboli (April 2024) 9

REFERENCE
CSI Analysis Reference Manual for ETABS. Computer and Structures, Inc.

Seismic Design Procedures for Steel Structures, HERA Report R4-76, HERA.

Steel Structures Standard, NZS 3404:Part 1:1997/2001/2007. Standards New Zealand.

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