Development and validation tests of an assembly self-centering energy dissipation brace

Abstract

Abstract This investigation develops and experimentally studies an assembly self-centering energy dissipation (ASCED) brace that consists of an energy dissipation device composed of friction pads, a self-centering device composed of disc springs, and bracing members. The ASCED brace has attractive assembly and adjustment abilities and uses simple mechanics. Cyclic test results of the energy dissipation device demonstrated that it had stable energy dissipation capability without deterioration of the friction pads or loosening of the high-strength bolts. A large-scale ASCED brace specimen was designed, fabricated, and tested under cyclic loadings, and the results verified the adjustability of the ASCED brace and confirmed the cooperation performance of the energy dissipation device and the self-centering device. Repeatable flag-shaped hysteretic responses and a smooth transition of stiffness between different stages were observed. These results demonstrated the favorable seismic performance of the brace. The residual deformation was negligible when the pre-pressed force of disc spring was greater than the friction force provided by the energy dissipation device.