TNCBF1-R-HSS: Taiwan Non-Seismic Concentrically Braced Frame (NCBF) with Repaired First Story and HSS Braces

The specimen designated TNCBF1-R-HSS consisted of a single-bay two-story concentrically braced frame with inverted V-bracing (chevron configuration) and a weak first story beam relative to the design post-buckled brace unbalanced load in the 2010 AISC Seismic Provisions. This frame was intended to be representative of a repaired non-seismic concentrically braced frame (NCBF) using in-plane buckling HSS braces. In-plane buckling braces could significantly reduce the gusset plate interface weld demands by eliminating out-of-plane gusset plate deformation. From the damaged TNCBF1-N-HSS speicmen, the first story braces and gusset plates were replaced with new HSS braces and connections compliant with SCBF design. Net section reinforcement plates were added to the second story corner brace connections but no other repair was made to the second story. Despite the in-plane buckling design, the first story braces buckled out-of-plane. The specimen was loaded quasistatically through the second story slab under a reversed cyclic increasing amplitude loading protocol. Traditional instrumentation and newer optical sensors were installed on the specimen. Portions of the specimen were whitewashed to detect yielding.