Synopsis of Buckling-Restrained Braced Frame Design

Design of third-generation-plus nuclear plants incorporate many design concepts and construction methods developed by other industries before 2008. Many concepts and methods, including modular and open-top construction methods, have been proven quite effective and practical. On the other hand, the incorporation of some newer structural systems, such as adaption of eccentrically braced frames in the turbine building (TB) and inclusion of base-isolation systems in the steel turbine-support structure, have met more challenges than what were anticipated. Fortunately, the re-engineering of the turbine building for use in Europe may present the design engineers with another opportunity to incorporate the latest structural systems in that building. Because of the difficulties encountered in the current, a due-diligence study was conducted on the steel buckling-restrained brace frame (BRBF) structural system. The quick literature review was performed with a singular aim to see whether this new structural system can be qualified to be included in the TB design. The time span of the study is extremely short. The information gathered and accessed was at best sketchy, and some may be out of date. This paper presents basic information used for determining future re-design methods of the TB.