Difference Between SCBF & OCBF

[CPiedra]

Hey,

I'm having a real hard time decerning the difference between special concentrically braced frames and ordinary concentrically braced frames. I understand that it has to do with one being more ductle then the other, and that one has many more requirements for design, but conceptually I don't get it. What's this 'post-buckling' of the gusset mean? How is there any reserved strength if gusset buckles? Is the goal in a SCBF to have the gusset buckle first?

If anyone could start me off from scratch and explain how these two things work, or perhaps refer me to a GOOD book/publication spelling out the differences clearly, I'd reeeeaaaaallly appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[Gumpmaster]

SCBF's are capable of much more post elastic response than OCBF's. They're detailed so that you have more plastic response prior to brace fracture.

In OCBF's you get a limited amount of plastic response prior to brace fracture.

This makes SCBF's a more reliable system in large seismic events.

For an even more ductile response, look at BRBF's.