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221006_Tectonus_004A

RSFJ BRACE

RECENTERING SEISMIC BRACES

 

RSFJ braces provide damping and re-centering all in one system. Applicable as steel or timber braces, RSFJ braces allow engineers to go beyond basic seismic compliance to provide a structure that minimizes damage and reduces downtime in the event of an earthquake. They are a great option for critical buildings - a bit like base isolation only much more cost-effective.  

Applications

RSFJ braces provide damping and re-centering all-in-one and are available in capacities from 50 kN to 2,500 kN (10 to 560 kips). They can be steel or timber braces and have been applied in both new and existing buildings. They do not need to be paired with a second system e.g. MRF to provide a recentering force. 

Keith Drive brace close up 395x 492 use
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Timber Braces
Timber Braces
RSFJ brace for web
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Steel Braces
Steel Braces

For mission-critical buildings

  • No damage to structure - reduce damage to rest of building
  • Decrease downtime and disruption for building occupants
  • Provide assurance to building occupiers / attract premium tenants.

RSFJ braces incorporate the well-proven Tectonus RSFJ technology. 

Hospital image for web
PERFORMANCE TESTING

RSFJ braces have been extensively tested

  • Large-scale shake table testing of steel braces
  • Full scale dynamic testing of steel (as per AISC 341) and timber braces (as per ISO 13033)
  • Component testing as per ASCE 7-16 and EN15129
  • Durability testing
Learn about RSFJ

Constructability

  • Pre-shipment, every Tectonus device is individually performance-tested
  • Braces can be supplied end-to-end or the damper portion only
  • Connection to gussets by pins
  • Connections should be capacity designed
  • Devices can be colour-matched to any scheme
  • Fire retardant paint and covers are optional. 
Lincoln_Tectonus RSFJ braces

Reliable Flag-Shape Behavior

RSFJ braces demonstrate the same hysteresis curve as the RSFJ technology. 

  • Damping and re-centering
  • Up to 20% damping provided
  • Fasteners and connections are capacity designed
  • Overstrength factor 1.35

Learn more about the RSFJ technology here. 

Hysteresis Curve

DESIGN GUIDANCE

Standard ductility factors are not yet available for RSFJ braces however R=8 and RdR0=5.6 is often achievable. The braces can be modeled in ETABS and SAP2000 as follows:

  • For RSFJ use ‘Damper – Friction Spring’ link element
  • Design parameters can be defined using our online calculator
  • Overstrength of 1.35

Tectonus offers comprehensive design support services - if at any stage you need help please don't hesitate to get in touch. 

RSFJ modelling image-1
CASE STUDY

New Zealand University wanted to protect against future earthquake damage and downtime - but only if the cost was the same as the conventional solution. Beca engineers accepted the challenge.  

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221006_Tectonus_001

Get in touch to schedule a no-obligation discussion about your project.

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