Abstract This study introduces a Variable-Friction Self-Centering Energy-Dissipation Brace (VF-SCEDB) incorporating pre-tensioned superelastic NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) cables and novel Variable Friction Devices (VFDs). The motivation behind the proposed member is to promote reliable energy dissipation without compromising the self-centering capability. In addition, the strength and the loading/unloading plateau stiffness of the brace can be adjusted separately by an appropriate combination of the NiTi SMA cables and the VFDs. The concept, configuration, and fundamental working principle of the VFD and VF-SCEDB are first presented. An experimental study on a proof-of-concept VF-SCEDB specimen is then conducted to understand its fundamental cyclic behavior. The results confirm that the proposed VF-SCEDB has the potential for exhibiting both excellent energy-dissipation and self-centering capabilities. Analytical models for predicting the hysteretic response of the VFD and the brace are also developed, and the prediction agrees well with the experimental results. Following the experimental program, a system-level analysis considering a series of 3-story concentrically braced steel frames employing different self-centering braces including the new VF-SCEDBs, is carried out. The results show that the frames can well control the residual deformation, but compared with other types of self-centering braces, the VF-SCEDB can more effectively reduce the peak deformation of the structures.

中文翻译：

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具有抗震能力的 NiTi SMA 电缆的可变摩擦自定心能量耗散支架 (VF-SCEDB)

摘要 本研究介绍了一种可变摩擦自定心能量耗散支架 (VF-SCEDB)，它结合了预张紧超弹性 NiTi 形状记忆合金 (SMA) 电缆和新型可变摩擦装置 (VFD)。提议成员背后的动机是在不影响自定心能力的情况下促进可靠的能量耗散。此外，支架的强度和加载/卸载平台刚度可以通过 NiTi SMA 电缆和 VFD 的适当组合单独调整。首先介绍了 VFD 和 VF-SCEDB 的概念、配置和基本工作原理。然后对概念验证 VF-SCEDB 样本进行实验研究，以了解其基本循环行为。结果证实，所提出的 VF-SCEDB 具有表现出出色的能量耗散和自定心能力的潜力。还开发了用于预测 VFD 和支架滞后响应的分析模型，预测结果与实验结果非常吻合。根据实验计划，对一系列采用不同自定心支撑（包括新 VF-SCEDB）的 3 层同心支撑钢框架进行系统级分析。结果表明，框架可以很好地控制残余变形，但与其他类型的自定心支撑相比，VF-SCEDB可以更有效地减少结构的峰值变形。还开发了用于预测 VFD 和支架迟滞响应的分析模型，预测结果与实验结果非常吻合。根据实验计划，对一系列采用不同自定心支撑（包括新 VF-SCEDB）的 3 层同心支撑钢框架进行系统级分析。结果表明，框架可以很好地控制残余变形，但与其他类型的自定心支撑相比，VF-SCEDB可以更有效地减少结构的峰值变形。还开发了用于预测 VFD 和支架迟滞响应的分析模型，预测结果与实验结果非常吻合。根据实验计划，对一系列采用不同自定心支撑（包括新 VF-SCEDB）的 3 层同心支撑钢框架进行系统级分析。结果表明，框架可以很好地控制残余变形，但与其他类型的自定心支撑相比，VF-SCEDB可以更有效地减少结构的峰值变形。系统级分析考虑了一系列采用不同自定心支撑的 3 层同心支撑钢框架，包括新的 VF-SCEDB。结果表明，框架可以很好地控制残余变形，但与其他类型的自定心支撑相比，VF-SCEDB可以更有效地减少结构的峰值变形。系统级分析考虑了一系列采用不同自定心支撑的 3 层同心支撑钢框架，包括新的 VF-SCEDB。结果表明，框架可以很好地控制残余变形，但与其他类型的自定心支撑相比，VF-SCEDB可以更有效地减少结构的峰值变形。