Buckling-controlled Braces for Seismic Resistance Inspired by Origami Patterns

Equipping energy dissipation devices in the structures is one of the effective methods to resist earthquake disasters. Here, a novel buckling-controlled brace inspired by origami (O-BCB) was proposed as anti-seismic technology for protecting engineering structures. A hierarchical design and analysis strategy was adopted for various types of origami patterns. An O-BCB based on Tachi origami pattern was manufactured, tested, and analyzed to verify the hysteretic performance under cyclic reversed loading. Considering the non-uniform distribution of deformation and stress in the Tachi patterned brace, two gradient design schemes in the lengthwise direction were proposed. To balance the bearing capacity and energy-dissipating capabilities of O-BCBs, the implementation of non-rigid origami patterns including pyramid, crash-box, and triangular patterns were analyzed. Results show that O-BCBs could provide valuable options for the development of earthquake-resistant technologies in the field of civil engineering.