Cyclic In‐Plane Buckling of Double Angle Bracing

Abstract

The behavior of double‐angle bracing members subjected to in‐plane buckling due to severe cyclic load reversals is investigated. Eight full‐size test specimens made of back‐to‐back double angle sections, connected to the end gusset plates by fillet welds or high strength bolts, were tested under large amplitude cyclic loading. Some test specimens, designed by current code procedures showed failures during early cycles of loading. Based on the observations and analysis of the behavior of test specimens new design procedures are proposed to improve the ductility and energy dissipation capacity of double angle bracing members and their connections to withstand severe cyclic loadings.