TNCBF2-D-HSS: Taiwan Non-Seismic Concentrically Braced Frame (NCBF) with Ductile Details and HSS Braces

The specimen designated TNCBF2-D-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 (i) an extensively repaired non-seismic concentrically braced frame (NCBF) or (ii) new SCBF construction with a weak beam. From the damaged TNCBF1-R-WF specimen, all components were replaced except the columns and second story beam and slab. All new members and connections were compliant with SCBF design except the weak first story beam. 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.