Experimental investigation of a high strength steel frame with curved knee braces subjected to extreme earthquakes

In this research, the seismic performance of a half-scaled three-storey high strength steel frame with curved knee braces (HSSF-CKB) under extreme earthquakes was investigated through shaking table tests. The test results demonstrated that the test structure maintained an encouraging recentring capacity under extreme earthquakes. By replacing the damaged curved knee braces, the structural stiffness was recovered to a certain extent. The failure mode of the test structure was governed by fracture of high strength steel beams, buckling of curved knee braces, and concrete crushing. Furthermore, a previously proposed analytical model for HSSF-CKBs was further validated by the test data.

Automated summary

The seismic performance of a half-scaled three-storey high strength steel frame with curved knee braces (HSSF-CKB) under extreme earthquakes was investigated through shaking table tests. The test results showed that the test structure maintained a promising recentring capacity and the structural stiffness was partially recovered by replacing the damaged curved knee braces. The failure mode of the test structure was governed by fracture of high strength steel beams, buckling of curved knee braces, and concrete crushing. Furthermore, a previously proposed analytical model for HSSF-CKBs was further validated by the test data.