Seismic performance testing of reinforcement concrete frames strengthened with Y-eccentrically brace

Two single-storey single-span reinforcement concrete （RC） frame structures strengthened with Y-eccentrically brace were designed and manufactured to be 1/3 scale. The pseudo-dynamic testing method was used to study the mechanical characteristics and the seismic performance under E1-Centro earthquake action with different peak acceleration adjusted by China＇s Code for Seismic Design of Buildings. The test results indicate that RC frame structures strengthened with Y- eccentrically steel brace present perfect seismic performance under strong earthquake action owing to the good ductility, strong bearing capability and fine energy absorbing capability provided by energy dissipation element and high lateral stiffness provided by diagonal braces. The seismic performance is also affected by the length of outsourcing steel at the joint between energy dissipation element of eccentric steel brace and RC frame beam. The joint should be considerably designed to make sure that shear failure can firstly occur in energy dissipation element.

Two single-storey single-span reinforcement concrete (RC) frame structures strengthened with Y-eccentrically brace were designed and manufactured to be 1/3 scale. The pseudo-dynamic testing method was used to study the mechanical characteristics and the seismic performance under El-Centro earthquake action with different peak acceleration adjusted by China's Code for Seismic Design of Buildings. The test results indicate that RC frame structures strengthened with Y-eccentrically steel brace present perfect seismic performance under strong earthquake action owing to the good ductility, strong bearing capability and fine energy absorbing capability provided by energy dissipation element and high lateral stiffness provided by diagonal braces. The seismic performance is also affected by the length of outsourcing steel at the joint between energy dissipation element of eccentric steel brace and RC frame beam. The joint should be considerably designed to make sure that shear failure can firstly occur in energy dissipation element.