Keywords: Seismic vulnerability. Built-up bracing members. Seismic evaluation. Hysteretic behavior. Cyclic inelastic behavior. Laced bracing. Compressive strength. AISC LRFD Specifications.
Abstract: The objective of this report’s research is to provide additional knowledge on the seismic behavior of laced or built-up braced members. This study reviews historical design provisions and steel design textbooks published when laced bracing was commonly built, along with recent research work conducted for built-up bracing members. A limited experimental program was designed and conducted to investigate the hysteretic behavior of typical built-up compression members, including design and quasi-static testing of the specimens. The results of this study are discussed in a quantitative manner, including energy dissipation in compression and strength degradation of compressive members. References are provided, along with numerous photographs, figures, and several appendices.