COREBRACE ADVANTAGES

1. CoreBrace (CB) frames are easier to design than other systems. Design is similar to typical braced frames. Typically, “Equivalent Lateral Force” procedures are used. Stiffness and strength of the CB can be fine tuned rather than picking the next available size.
2. The CB frame system shares the highest seismic response factor, “R=8”. This results in lighter frame members and less foundation work.
3. Story drift is easily controlled with lighter frame members than moment or eccentrically braced frames. Less drift means the rest of the building’s systems have less deformation to accommodate resulting in economical buildings.
4. In “chevron” or “V” configurations the unbalanced load requirement on the beam is negligible. This results in less deep and lighter beams.
5. Less deep beams may result in shorter story heights. This saves in footage of MEP systems and square footage of façade, which lowers building costs.
6. More compact frame members results in significant savings in fireproofing, particularly when compared with moment frames.
7. Inelastic deformation of a CB frame is concentrated in the CB. In EBFs and SMFs, inelastic deformation is concentrated in the beam. Thus CB frames are more likely to reduce building frame and floor damage and subsequent repairs.
8. CBs are capable of sustaining deformation caused by several major earthquakes. This further reduces the probability of required repairs after an event.
9. CBs typically have about two to four times less over strength requirements than conventional braces. This is because buckling typically controls the size of a conventional brace and then the connection must be sized for the tension capacity of the brace. CBs do not buckle so they are sized by strength only. You just need enough core area to prevent yielding at the demand load. This can significantly reduce connection sizes and costs.
10. No “2 x t” bend line requirement, which further reduces gusset plate size.
11. Connections are bolted, thus seismic critical field welding is eliminated or reduced.
12. Inelastic properties are easy to model, very predictable, and repeatable, thus making non-linear design analysis easier and more accurate than other systems. CoreBrace currently produces the best performing BRB available and the lowest costs.