Yielding Brace System for Concentrically Braced Frame Structures

The goal of this research project is the detailed design and optimization of a series of 10 Yielding Brace System (YBS) connectors that will eventually be made commercially available as a higher performance, earthquake resistant building system. The intern will design and optimize each connector, focusing on both the local behaviour of the device, through non-linear finite element stress analysis, and the global behaviour of the building system as a whole, through non-linear time history analysis of a sample building. Upon completion of the project the partner organization will have a series of connectors that will be ready to begin the regulatory approval process and the researchers will have an enhanced understanding the system behaviour of a building using the YBS as its primary lateral force resisting system.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Evan Bentz

Student:

Michael Gray

Partner:

Cast Connex Corporation

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure

University:

University of Toronto