BUCKLING RESTRAINED

BRACES AN OVERVIEW

October 2013

By Kimberley Robinson, S.E. & Angus W. Stocking, L.S.

BUCKLING RESTRAINED BRACES AN OVERVIEW

By Kimberley Robinson, S.E. & Angus W. Stocking, L.S.

uckling Restrained Braces (BRBs)

are a structural component useful
when providing bracing for
seismic or other loads. BRBs have
a large ductility capacity and are designed
to yield under loads without buckling.
They offer robust cyclic performance
and significant cost savings, compared
to conventional bracing systems. BRBs
have been fully codified since 2005 by
the AISC and the ASCE. Specification and
design of BRBs and BRBFs (BRBs placed in
concentrically braced frames) is relatively
straightforward.
A technology introduced in the late
1990s, the Buckling Restrained Braced
Frame (BRBF) represents the state-of-theart in braced frame design. Over the last
decade or so, the technology has reached a
significant level of maturity through research,
codification, and practice. BRBFs lateralload resisting systems that incorporate a
Buckling Restrained Brace (BRBs) have
been codified since 2005 and are covered
by both the AISC Seismic Provisions (ANSI/
AISC 341-05 and the upcoming release of
341-10) and ASCE/SEI 7-10.
BRBFs have been incorporated into over
600 buildings to date, from 200-squarefoot sheds to high-rise structures. The

systems critical element, the BRB, is a brace

that does not buckle and harnesses the
inherent ductility of steel to provide stable,
predictable dissipation of seismic energy.
Although the brace can be used wherever
buckling of the brace is undesirable or where
higher ductility and energy dissipation is
desired (such as bridge, outrigger, or blast
designs), they are typically incorporated as
part of a BRBF concentrically braced frame
system.
The rapid expansion of the use of the BRB
in all types of projects has occurred due to
the clear cost savings of the overall system
and the simplicity of design and erection.
A study presented at the NASCC steel
conference found a cost savings of $2.40/
sf. for a six-story structure over a similar
Special Concentric Braced Frame design.
The majority of the savings found was due
to the smaller, simpler gusset plates, but
there were also significant savings on beams,
columns, and foundations.

Anatomy of a BRB
The main characteristic of a BRB is its
ability to yield both in compression and
tension without buckling. A BRB is able
to yield in compression because it is
detailed and fabricated such that its two
main components perform distinct tasks

while remaining de-coupled. The loadresisting component of a BRB, the steel

core, is restrained against overall buckling
by the stability component or restraining
mechanism, the outer casing filled with
concrete (see Figure 1). Bonding of the
steel core to the concrete is prevented
during manufacturing to ensure that the
BRB components remain separate and
composite action not allowed to take place.
The BRB brace is placed in a concentric
braced frame and becomes a BRBF system.
This lateral-load system is used most often
for structures in seismic demand categories
D, E, or F, regardless of whether wind
or seismic loads govern the design of
the structure. BRBF systems provide cost
savings over conventional bracing systems
because engineers are better able to
estimate applicable seismic demands, and
then size the connections and foundations
accordingly. The use of BRBF systems
has also been explored for bridge, blast,
and lower seismic applications where the
highly-ductile, non-buckling attributes of
the BRB might still provide a significant
benefit.
BRBF systems exhibit robust cyclic
performance and have large ductility
capacity, which is reflected in the seismic
response factors, R. When the beams in the

Instructions
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Learning Objectives
After reading this article you should be able to:
Know the basics of how BRBs are used.
Know the basics of BRB construction.
Know the basics of designing and specifying BRBs for particular
projects.
Be able to provide examples of successful BRB applications.

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Bucking Restrained Braces Engineering Overview

Restraining mechanism
(steel HSS shell and
concrete fill shown)

Yielding steel core

(Typically 38 - 46 KSI
yield strength)
Engineered gap allowing for
elongation and contraction
without imposing loads on
the restraining mechanism

Stiffer non-yeilding
end sections

Nonyielding
end

Star Seismic
WildCat brace shown

Nonyielding
end

Yielding core

Figure 1
lateral force resisting frame are moment connected to the columns, R
= 8. Testing performed on BRBs to date suggests that they are capable
of withstanding multiple seismic events without failure or loss of
strength. The approximate fundamental period of the building, Ta, is
given by the equation:

Ta = 0.3h0.75
Where h is the height of the structure in feet.

Typical BRB Design Process

The design approach of applications using BRBs typically
incorporates the coordination of a BRB manufacturer. This is because
some of the factors needed for design with BRBs are dependent on
the design of the brace itself and may differ from manufacturer to
manufacturer and even from brace connection type provided by
an individual manufacturer. It is essential for the design engineer to

incorporate design attributes of a BRB brace into their design for a

brace that is possible to manufacture. Otherwise, an uncomfortable
discussion awaits the design team during the bidding process or after
the project has been awarded, when redesign to achievable brace
design parameters may be necessary.
Figure 1 shows the typical design process for a BRBF project,
demonstrating the flow of information back and forth between the
design engineer and the BRB manufacturer. The domestic brace
manufacturers do not charge for this service, nor do they need to
be under contract or obligation to provide it. Though the input
from the brace manufacturer may include a variety of important
contributions to the design, there are three critical design items
that are contributed by the BRB manufacturer: brace stiffnesses,
brace overstrength factors, and verification of testing coverage for
the proposed project braces.

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BUCKLING RESTRAINED BRACES AN OVERVIEW

Brace Stiffness and Modeling
For an Ordinary or Special Concentric Braced
Frame, brace stiffness is tied to the brace area and is
determined using the simple equation below.

AE
Where Lwp-wp is the workpoint-to-workpoint distance along the
axis of the brace. This analysis is automatically done as part of most
structural design software packages. However, a buckling restrained
brace is non-prismatic and consists of the yielding core segment,
with the minimum cross-sectional area of the brace, and the outer
portions of the brace that are designed to stay elastic and therefore
include a greater cross-sectional area. Brace strength is controlled by
brace core area, but the use of this core area in the structural model
without any adjustment will not correctly capture the stiffness of the
brace. This stiffness is usually captured in the model through the use
of a stiffness modification factor (KF). The modeled brace stiffness
would then be represented by the equation below.

Kmodel =

START

EOR Sends
BRB MFR

Calc. V using R, Ie & Ta

Lay out braces

30%/70% C/T
brace ratio does not apply

1.
2.
3.
4.

Bay sizes/brace configuration

Approx. beam/column sizes
Approx. brace cap./areas.
R/Cd, I, , and assumed Fy-min
value and stiffness factor KF
5. Code forces Pu and bldg drifts

Assume brace Stiffness

(K=1.5 AscE/L)

Approximate brace and

connection design

Distribute lateral forces

Approximate
brace lengths

Estimate brace
over-strength factors
and (1.5 & 1.1)

Calc. brace stiffness/

stiffness factors KF

KF(Asc)E
Lwp-wp

Where ASC is the steel core area of the brace. The modeled brace
stiffness can also be represented as a spring with a defined stiffness
Kmodel.
The stiffness factor or modeled brace stiffness is unique to each
brace manufacturers design, although it may be similar between
manufacturers. It is also dependent on brace capacity, bay geometry
and connection details. The design engineer will need to assume
an initial value for this factor for early estimation of required brace
capacity and preliminary beam, and column sizes and send this
information to a brace manufacturer for early coordination to
obtain the recommended stiffness factors for the braces. If brace
capacities are adjusted, final values should also be confirmed with
the manufacturer prior to finalizing contract documents.
Brace Overstrength Factors
For the BRBF system, the brace is designated as the fuse element
and all other parts of the frame and connections are designed to
remain elastic. As the BRB brace engages in a seismic event, the steel
core is designed to yield and then to strain harden. This process
will require the beams, columns, and connections to be designed
for these higher, strain-hardened brace forces. The increase in the
brace force in tension is represented by the factor , while the
increase in compression is represented by the factor . These
factors are determined from the results of the AISC 341 required
testing. Again, these factors vary by brace manufacturers and even
by brace connection type.
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TYPICAL BRB DESIGN PROCESS FLOWCHART FOR

EQUIVELENT LATERAL FORCE METHOD, IBC

Calculate brace
over-strength factors
and .

Size beam/column sizes

and brace core areas

Confirm project braces

do not exceed tested
assemblies.

Calc. actual bldg

period T and refine
base shear V

BRB MFR sends EOR

1.
2.
3.
4.

Redistribute lateral
forces

Did member
sizes change?

Rec. Fy range for core material.

Brace stiffnesses/KF factors.
Over-strength factors / .
MFR may make design
recommendations

YES
NO

Proceed with design

documents. Send
manufacturer final info
for coordination.

NOTE: DESIGN ENGINEER PROCESS NOTED IN BLUE,

BRB MANUFACTURER PROCESS NOTED IN TAN.

Figure 2

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END

Standard and Innovative Uses for BRBs

BRBs have been used on many types of structures as part of
a standard BRBF Frame. They are enjoying widespread usage in
building structures such as office buildings, hospitals, retail, car parks,
multi-story residential, schools, religious, stadiums and arenas, as well
as non-building and industrial structures. However, many projects
use the Buckling Restrained Brace in unique ways that differ from the
standard BRBF concentrically braced frame. The braces have been
used in or proposed for a variety of applications, including bridges,
civil structures, horizontal diaphragm elements, high-rise outrigger
frames, externally anchored braces, wind towers, and many other
unique applications. The following projects show a sampling of some
of the most innovative applications.
Metal Buildings
The Seahawks Practice Facility is a large facility where the Seattle
Seahawks NFL Football team practices, outside of the frequent rain
and inclement weather that is a frequent companion of the city
of Seattle. The project was high profile, and many teams offered
numerous methods for building the structure, including several
metal building approaches. The winning bid incorporated the team
from HCI Steel Building Systems. The design incorporated BRBFs
instead of the SCBF options proposed by the other teams. Since
that structure was built in 2007, numerous metal buildings from a
variety of manufacturers have incorporated the technology.
Single Brace Retrofit
Rutherford & Chekene, a structural engineering consulting firm in
San Francisco, was presented with a unique challenge in the seismic
evaluation and retrofitting of a historic steel and concrete structure.
This two-story electrical substation was built in the early 1920s and
remains an important link in the regions electrical power network.

JWA Parking Str C, Orange, CA

Renovations performed over the years had removed

the lower portion of one of the concrete walls. The
resulting structure was not adequate to meet the owners
seismic performance objectives.
Retrofit options were limited. Replacement of the concrete wall
that had been removed was not an option, as critical communications
equipment that could not be moved had been placed in that area.
Bracing on the exterior of the structure was not possible because of
the historic character of the building and the presence of high-voltage
buried conduits. A single brace could be allowed in the high-bay room
adjacent to the area where the wall had been removed. A buckling
restrained brace was selected as it was able to support both tension
and compression loads while maintaining the required strength and
ductility (see Figure 1). In addition, the brace strength could be tuned
to avoid overloading collectors and floor diaphragms, and to match the
strength of the remaining walls and reduce the possible plan-torsion
of the structure under strong earthquake shaking. A new collector and
foundation were provided to complete this portion of the retrofit.
High-rise Outrigger System
The One Rincon Hill South Tower is a 56-story, 578-foot tall
residential structure. It is located next to the western approach of
the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. While at the heart of one of
the most seismically active regions in the U.S., the design was also
governed by design considerations from powerful Pacific winds due
to its prominent location on the skyline.
The design of the structure includes a rectangular concrete core for
the seismic and wind forces. The length of the core in one direction was
sufficient to resist overturning demands but the other was too narrow
to adequately control building sway. The design team at Seattle-

Single Brace Retrofit

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BUCKLING RESTRAINED BRACES AN OVERVIEW

based Magnusson Klemencic Associates decided to
incorporate an outrigger system into the structure to
bolster the stiffness in the cores narrow dimension, much
the same as the use of ski poles can stabilize a skier. The outrigger
system served to reach out to the large concrete outrigger columns
to engage them for resistance to overturning at four levels of the
structure (see Figure 2). Buckling restrained braces allowed the design
team to limit the amount of load that would be delivered to the
outrigger columns while controlling the stiffness and response of the
building. In addition, a large tank at the top of the building holding up
to 50,000 gallons of water is used for two purposes: As a tuned liquid
damper to counter the sway from wind forces and as a reservoir for
firefighting purposes.
Civil Structure
Casad Dam is a concrete gravity arch dam built in the 1950s that
includes an integral intake tower located on the upstream face at the
center of the dam. The intake tower was not adequate to support the
anticipated seismic demands, where the peak ground acceleration was
increased due to the proximity of the Seattle fault and new research
into the magnitude of potential events. A retrofit scheme was needed
for the intake tower that would have minimal impact on the normal
operation of the dam, would have minimal underwater work, and
could be done with minimal expense.
The design team at Hatch Associates Consultants, Inc. in Seattle
investigated several options and found that bracing the tower back
to the dam best met their key objectives for the retrofit, rather than
strengthening the tower at its base. However, the arch dam required
protection by limiting the brace forces. Viscous dampers and buckling
restrained braces were considered and, after detailed simulations, stainless
steel buckling restrained braces with a yielding steel core were selected.
The project successfully met diverse functional objectives that
included preventing tower collapse under a maximum credible
earthquake with a 0.78g peak ground acceleration, meeting low
maintenance requirements while providing high reliability, and
ensuring that there were no environmental or water quality impacts.
Bridge
Foresthill Road Bridge, the tallest in California and the fourth tallest
in the U.S., needed seismic retrofitting. This famous truss bridge, built
in the early 1970s, is 2,428 ft. long and the deck is more than 730 ft.
above the American River.
After seismic evaluation completed with the help of the Placer
County Department of Public Works, and after review of multiple
alternatives, designers at Sacramentos Quincy Engineering proposed
a BRB-based system that achieved performance objectives and allowed
for repairable damage after a seismic event. Designers wanted to limit
seismic forces on the bridges longitudinal abutment anchors in order
to protect the anchors and surrounding truss members. So, inelastic
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One Rincon Core Rendering, Hill Tower, San Francisco, CA

demands were confined to replaceable sacrificial link plates that are
designed to fail at prescribed strains, allowing BRBs to engage. The
final retrofit configuration featured BRBs located longitudinally at the
junctures of truss bottom chord connections and abutments. Design
objectives were met effectively and economically.
The projects listed above provide only a small sampling of unique
uses for buckling restrained braces. As the brace usage expands,
functions requiring symmetrical capacity between tension and
compression, calibrated stiffness of elements, limiting of force transfer
through an element, the incorporation of ductility and energy
absorption and other features of the brace will continue to be found.
The applications found truly demonstrate the abundant creativity of
the engineering designers using the technology.

Kimberley Robinson, S.E. is the chief engineer at Star Seismic, Park

City, Utah. The company designs and builds buckling restrained brace frames
(BRBFs) for all types of structures.
Angus W. Stocking, L.S., has been writing about construction and
infrastructure since 2002.

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BUCKLING RESTRAINED BRACES AN OVERVIEW

Go to http://continuingeducation.zweigwhite.com to take the following quiz online. Quiz answers will be
graded automatically and, if you answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly, you can immediately
download a certificate of completion.

1. While effective, BRBFs are a new

technology whose use is not yet
covered by applicable codes.

5. When should a BRB manufacturer

first be consulted?

a) True

a) Before or during the modeling and

design process

b) False

b) After the permit submittal

c) During the bidding phase of the
project

2. Which of the following is true?

a) BRBs are intended solely for use in
civil structures.
b) BRBs have been in use since the
1990s, and have been installed in
500-plus structures
c) BRBs should be used as a sacrificial
truss element, and must be replaced
after most seismic events.
d) All of the above.
e) None of the above.

3. BRBs are typically made of:

a) Steel and concrete
b) Steel and polymers

e) None of the above

6. 
The stiffness factor or modeled
brace stiffness for BRBs:
a) Adheres to a standard followed by all
manufacturers.
b) Is specified by several codes.
c) Varies by manufacturer.
d) Can be ignored in most projects.
e) None of the above.

7. 
BRBs are not suitable for metal
buildings:
a) True
b) False

8. BRBF systems are typically used for

seismic demand category(s):
a) D
b) E

4. True or False: BRBs are essentially

a commodity, and manufacturers
do not need to be consulted
when specifying BRBs in building
projects?

a) Wo Overstrength Factor Loads

b) BRB specific overstrength factors,
and
c) The load determined by the stiffness
of the brace

c) Steel and various alloys

d) Steel and aluminum

9. In addition to the standard load

combinations, beams, columns,
and connections in a buckling
restrained braced frame must be
designed to what loads?

d) All of the above

10. Which of the following statements

are true?
a) It is essential for the design engineer
to incorporate design attributes of
a BRB brace into their design for a
brace that is possible to manufacture.
b) It is not essential for the design
engineer to incorporate design
attributes of a BRB brace into their
design for a brace that is possible to
manufacture.
c) The manufacturer is not an important
consideration when manufacturing
specifying BRBs.
d) Design of BRBs is always the
responsibility of the manufacturer,
working from designer-provided
specs.

c) F
d) All of the above
e) None of the above

a) True
b) False

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