Introducing a base-rocking dual-core braced-frame system equipped with vertical buckling-restrained fuses

A base-rocking dual-core braced-frame (BRDC) system equipped with vertical buckling-restrained fuses (BRF) was developed to prevent the soft-story failure mechanism. The proposed system comprises two elastic cores connected by BRF between the floor levels. BRFs are used as replaceable fuses in this system to dissipate the input energy and reduce the seismic responses. The seismic performance of the proposed system was evaluated using a new time history analysis method called endurance time. The method was numerically applied in three structures with different heights, specifically 12, 15, and 18 stories. The truncated design spectra method was used to design the cores. The results show that the proposed system resolves both the problem of column uplifting and the large cross-section needed for post-tensioned cables in the rocking systems.