Abstract: Buckling restrained braces may include a core rod and a buckling restraining tube concentrically surrounding at least a majority of a longitudinal length of the core rod. The buckling restraining tube may be configured to inhibit buckling of the core rod upon compressive loading of the core rod. An end plate assembly may be attached, and longitudinally movable with respect, to an end of the core rod, the end plate assembly being located at a longitudinal end of the buckling restrained brace. A sleeve member may concentrically surround an end of the buckling restraining tube, the sleeve member affixed to the end plate assembly. A spring may be located laterally between the core rod and the sleeve member of the end plate assembly and longitudinally between, and in contact with, an end of the buckling restraining tube and a portion of the end plate assembly.

Abstract: A buckling restrained brace includes a core rod, a buckling restraining tube concentrically surrounding at least a portion of a length of the core rod and configured to provide lateral support to the core rod to hinder buckling of the core rod upon compressive loading of the core rod, and an exterior support tube disposed concentrically surrounding at least a portion of a length of the buckling restraining tube. A plurality of spacers may be disposed between the buckling restraining tube and the exterior support tube at intervals along a length of the buckling restraining tube. The plurality of spacers may locate and support the buckling restraining tube within the exterior support tube.

Abstract: A connection apparatus includes a frame-side member securable to a steel structural frame, a brace-side member securable to a seismic brace, and a coupling element that secures frame-side and brace-side members to each other. By way of example, the connection element may provide a hinge-type connection, which substantially isolates a seismic brace from nonaxial loads. As another example, the connection element may be a ball-and-socket type connection, which substantially isolates a seismic brace from nonaxial loads and absorbs any shear and moment applied thereto when the seismic brace drifts out of an intended plane of the steel structural frame. The connection element may also include a collar to stabilize the brace-side member and prevent shears and moments from causing the same to buckle in an unintended direction. Methods of installing and using the connection apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A nonrigid connection apparatus includes a frame-side member securable to a steel structural frame, a brace-side member securable to a seismic brace, and a coupling element that nonrigidly secures the frame-side and brace-side members to each other. By way of example, the nonrigid connection element may provide a hinge-type connection, which substantially isolates a seismic brace from nonaxial loads. As another example, the nonrigid connection element may be a ball-and-socket type connection, which substantially isolates a seismic brace from nonaxial loads and absorbs any shear and moment applied thereto when the seismic brace drifts out of an intended plane of the steel structural frame. The nonrigid connection element may also include a collar to stabilize the brace-side member and prevent shears and moments from causing the same to buckle in an unintended direction. Methods of installing and using the nonrigid connection apparatus are also disclosed.