INELASTIC CYCLIC TESTING OF LARGE SIZE STEEL BRACING MEMBERS

This paper outlines a comprehensive experimental program that has been initiated to examine the cyclic inelastic response of large size steel bracing members. Cyclic quasi-static tests were carried out on 34 brace specimens, including square tubing, circular tubing, and W (H) shape members. The brace slenderness, the slenderness ratio of the brace cross-section elements, and the loading protocol were also varied. The depth of the brace cross-sections ranged between 152 and 305 mm and the tensile yield capacity of the braces varied from 2.0 to 9.0 MN. The response of the brace specimens was characterized by overall buckling, tensile yielding, and local buckling. The latter developed in the plastic hinge that formed at the brace mid-length. Failure of the brace occurred by fracture in the plastic hinge region. The shape of the brace cross-section, the slenderness of the elements of the brace cross-section and the brace overall slenderness were found to influence the fracture life of the brace specimens.