Dataset from Experimental and Nonlinear Finite Element Modeling Investigating an Innovative Buckling Restrained Bracing System for Rehabilitation of Seismic Deficient Structures

The data presented in this paper were collected experimentally and modeled using the finite element method. A total of six BRBs (i.e., duplicates of three types of BRB core bars) specimens were tested experimentally and verified numerically using the finite element method employing the commercial Software ABAQUS. Specific labeling was used to designate each BRB type. Three core bars were used in the tested BRBs: fully-threaded, threaded-notched, and smooth-shaved. The specimens are labeled according to their core bar type and diameter. i.e., BRB-12-Th stands for a full threaded core bar diameter of 12 mm, the threaded notched type was labeled BRB-12-Th-Nd, and the smooth shave one was labeled BRB-12-Sh.

Further details of the tested BRBs are included in the excel file called dimensions and properties of BRBs. The worksheet provides details of the BRB components (i.e., core bar, restraining unit, and innovative end units). The dimensions and strength of the materials were obtained from coupon tests. The experimental data are presented in the second excel file labeled hysteresis with three embedded worksheets, one for each type of BRB. The excel sheets provide the cyclic loading data and plots showing the hysteresis behavior of tested BRBs. A sample of the loading protocol included in the second excel file is presented in Fig.1. The third excel file presents the analytical data extracted from experimental data that has two sheets: stiffness and energy dissipation. The sheet labeled stiffness has the secant stiffness versus deformation plot for the push-pull cycles (compression-tension). The second sheet labeled energy dissipation shows the cumulative energy dissipated.