Next Session: July 9, 2025
Hot Topic: The Fire Performance of Mass Timber (12:30pm – 2:00pm Eastern)
Hot Topic: The Fire Performance of Mass Timber (12:30pm – 2:00pm Eastern)
1.5 PDHs / 0.2 IACET CEUs
This SEU session explores the use of buckling-restrained braces, a seismic brace that is widely used in moderate and high seismic zones across the US, from California to South Carolina, and covers key changes to the BRBF design and testing provisions in AISC 341-16 & -22. During the presentation, speaker Ben Sitler will look at the important concepts of how BRBs respond in extreme design situations and what to watch out for, including how framing decisions may impact brace stability, the compressive forces generated in super long BRBs, and the use of alternative steel grades in jumbo BRBs. A real-world case study of BRBs that endured the Mw9 Tohoku earthquake in Japan will illustrate key concepts in action. Engineers will gain a deep understanding of the fundamental behavior of BRBs to help inform their designs, and gain confidence in pushing BRBs to the limit.
Learning Objectives:
Recognize recent changes to the BRBF design & testing provisions of AISC 341-16 & -22.
Explain how BRBs respond in extreme design cases and how to ensure good performance in long and jumbo BRBs.
Understand the fundamental behavior of BRBs, from global stability to core higher-mode buckling and friction.
Current SE University subscribers can access the recording in their SEU Resource Center account. Please use the link below to view the session page in the SEU Session Library.
SEU is a program of SE Solutions, LLC. SE Solutions, LLC is not an educational institution, but rather provides continuing education to structural engineers.