An Improved Non-Linear Physical Modeling Method for Brace Elements

In this paper, the cyclic nonlinear behavior of a brace element has been modeled. A brace element is modeled as two elastic beam-column segments, which are connected to each other via a plastic hinge. The far ends of the element are hinged. By a suitable combination of the isotrvpic and kinematical hardening rules of plasticity, the nonlinear axial force-displacement relation for a beam element has been derived. So, the strain hardening, strain softening, tangential modulus of elasticity and Bauschinger effects are taken into account. This model shows good agreement with experimental results that have been reported in other research works.