Design and cyclic testing of a gusset plate connection for precast concrete buckling-restrained braced frames

A design method for precast concrete buckling-restrained braced frames with traditional gusset plate connections has not yet been codified. In addition, experimental data for this novel system are lacking. The primary objectives of this research were to design and experimentally test a partial system under representative seismic loads and to determine the applicability of the uniform force method (UFM) for connection interface force distribution. A quasi-static cyclic test was performed on a scaled, partial system. Experimental results showed that the UFM alone does not accurately predict interface forces for this system because the method does not account for frame action. Results also showed that there is some change in column base fixity as the frame undergoes larger horizontal displacements. This was the first U.S. laboratory test on a scaled, partial version of this system. Development of a codified design method would require further testing to determine an appropriate interface force distribution and quantify the change in column base fixity.