A novel segmentally controlled steel brace (SCSB) was developed to mitigate the susceptibility of conventional steel braces to compressive buckling. It features a simple, fabrication-friendly design comprising two end link segments and a central elastic segment. Two configurations for the link segments were investigated: the three-segment SCSB and the three-segment encased SCSB. Three full-scale specimens were tested under cyclic loading to examine the effects of link segment configurations and steel grade on the hysteretic behavior. Detailed finite element models were developed and validated against experimental results. Moreover, parametric analyses were performed to further evaluate the influence of link segment length, cross-sectional dimensions, and elastic segment size on hysteretic behavior. Experimental results confirm that the SCSB effectively localizes plastic deformation in the end link segments, significantly improving compressive performance. The three-segment SCSB exhibited pronounced compressive pinching, whereas the three-segment encased SCSB achieved fuller hysteresis loops and higher energy dissipation. Specimens with externally restrained link segments exhibited enhanced compressive stability and maintained stable hysteretic behavior without noticeable stiffness degradation under large displacements. The encased SCSB3 exhibited superior deformability. The ductility coefficient of SCSB3 was 32.5 % and 55.1 % higher than SCSB1 in tension and compression, respectively, and 34.6 % and 32.8 % higher than that of SCSB2. Steel material grade demonstrated a limited effect on energy dissipation and deformability. Parametric analyses indicate an optimal length ratio of 0.35–0.40 for the link segments relative to the total brace length. Recommended cross-sectional area ratios of the link segment to elastic segment are 0.35–0.45 for the three-segment SCSB and 0.30–0.40 for the three-segment encased SCSB. The proposed SCSB offers a highly adaptable solution for seismic-resistant structural applications.
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