Development, verification, and simulation analysis of variable friction self-centering energy dissipative brace.

The variable friction self-centering energy dissipative (VF-SCED) device is proposed to solve the challenge for the developed SCED braces on the weak energy dissipative capacity or too complex energy dissipative system, and the conflict between the self-centering ability and energy dissipative ability. The composition and working principle of the VF-SCED brace are described, the theoretical equation for controlling brace performance is developed, and the key parameters are identified. Two VF-SCED brace specimens were fabricated and tested. Furthermore, the finite element (FE) model of the VF-SCED brace was established and analyzed. The parametric analysis is carried out based on the verified VF-SCED brace FE model. The experiment results show that the hysteresis loop of new device performs typical flag-shaped and almost no residual displacement after tested. The simulation results are close to the experimental and theoretical results, and the FE model can effectively reflect the working properties of the VF-SCED device. The parametric analysis shows that increasing spring stiffness and preload length have a positive effect on the energy dissipative ability and self-centering capacity of the brace. The increase of tan θ has a negative effect on the energy dissipative capacity but a positive effect on the self-centering capacity. Increasing the magnitude of wedge blocks and friction coefficient μ 2 has a positive effect on the energy dissipative capacity but a negative effect on the self-centering capacity. The increase of static friction coefficients μ 1 and μ 3 will reduce the energy dissipative capacity of the VF-SCED brace, but the influence is small. The research shows that the energy dissipative and self-centering capacity of the VF-SCED brace have a large variable range, and the key parameters can be determined according to engineering application and design requirements. • The novel variable friction self-centering energy dissipative device is developed and introduced. • The details and working mechanism of the new system are described, and the theoretical equation is identified. • The specimens were fabricated and tested, and the finite element and theoretical model were established and verified. • The parametric analysis is carried out based on the verified finite element model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]