Straight Swap for BRBs, EBFs, CBFs

Tectonus DMAX is a steel brace supplied end to end, with some unique advantages compared to other bracing systems:

Elastic Perfectly Plastic hysteresis
Very high damping (>50% in some cases)
Best-in-class Overstrength Factor - 1.15
No replacement post-earthquake

DMAX incorporates the well-proven Tectonus DFFJ friction damper.

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Value Engineering Opportunity

Tectonus DMAX delivers unmatched value on braced frame buildings in seismic areas:

Comparable price to BRBs
Up to 50% savings in structural actions
Reduced members sizes
Reduced foundation works
Reduced connections and detailing
Increased useable space.

Savings across structure and foundations have been demonstrated to more than pay for the cost of DMAX braces themselves.

"With comparable pricing to other lateral systems like BRBs, the DMAX system’s high effective damping and lower overstrength factor have allowed us to achieve significant cost savings across the entire lateral system, including braces, columns, diaphragms, and foundations."

Nathan WatsonDirector, DHC Structural + Civil

PERFORMANCE TESTING

DMAX has been tested to ASCE 7

DMAX brace was tested according to ASCE 7 at AUT Structures Lab
Prototype tested against OSHPD/HCAI protocols in a 17025-certified US lab
The DFFJ damper has been component tested according to ASCE 7-16 loading protocols
Reports are available upon request.

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Constructability

Pre-shipment, every brace damper is individually performance-tested
Tolerances better than AISC approved 1/32”
Length adjustment by shimming during installation
Lower weight due to hollow section – no concrete filling
SHS sections can fit within standard wall profiles
Braces come primed and ready to paint according to the required paint scheme

How it works

DMAX is a steel tension and compression brace supplied end to end.

The brace incorporates Tectonus DFFJ friction damper technology and a proprietary mechanism to control global buckling.

In an earthquake, energy dissipation is provided by controlled sliding of the friction surfaces. These surfaces have a proprietary surface covering to ensure stable performance across a range of frequencies— and pre-tensioned disc springs to adjust the clamping force.

There are no yielding components, allowing DMAX to perform through multiple earthquake events. There is nothing to replace post-earthquake.

GETTING STARTED

Project Feasibility

To quickly assess project feasibility, replace the BRB or other brace element and use the following factors for DMAX:

Ductility R=8 (US) / RdR0=4.8 (Canada) / Mu=3.5 (NZ)
Overstrength (capacity design factor) of 1.15

Worked Example

For example, taking a 1000 kN BRB which has an overstrength factor of 1.6 - 2.5 and replacing it with a 1000 kN DMAX brace with overstrength of 1.15 means the capacity design of the connections, members, and foundations can be downscaled from 1600-2500kN for the BRB example to 1150 kN for DMAX. In our experience, given that DMAX and BRBs are the same price, the force reduction can translate into significant construction cost savings.

DMAX design guidance

Modelling Guidance

Typically the DMAX ductility factor can be improved through further modeling and analysis (involving nonlinear time history analysis).

To model DMAX braces, follow these instructions:

In ETABS and SAP2000, use ‘Plastic-Wen’ Link element
In PERFORM3D, use an ‘Inelastic Bar’ element with E-P-P properties

For further modeling guidance, please check out the following video tutorial.

If at any stage you need help please don't hesitate to get in touch.

TECTONUS DMAX

REDUCE DEMAND / MAXIMIZE SAVINGS