The objective of this study is to propose a simple and accurate analytical model for HSS braces. For this purpose, a physical theory model is adopted. Rectangular hollow section steel (HSS) braces are considered in this study. To accurately simulate the cyclic behavior of braces using the physical theory model, empirical equations calculating constituent parameters are implemented on the analytical model, which were proposed in the companion paper. The constituent parameters are cyclic brace growth, cyclic buckling load, and the incidence of local buckling and fracture. The analytical model proposed in this study was verified by comparing actual and simulated cyclic curves of brace specimens. It is observed that the proposed model accurately simulates the cyclic behavior of the braces throughout whole response range.

The cyclic behavior of braces is complex due to their asymmetric properties in tension and compression. For accurately simulating the cyclic curves of braces, it is important to predict the major parameters such as cyclic brace growth, cyclic buckling load, incidence local buckling and fracture with good precision. For a given brace, the most accurate values of these parameters can be estimated throughout experiments. However, it is almost impossible to conduct experiments whenever an analytical model has to be established for many braces in building structures due to enormous cost and time. For avoid such difficulties, empirical equations for predicting constituent parameters are proposed from regression analyses based on test results of various braces. This study focuses on rectangular hollow structural section(HSS) steel braces, which have been popularly used in construction practice owing to its sectional efficiency.