Application of Miner criterion, cumulate damage variable was estimated based on
pseudo-static experiment study for reinforced concrete energy dissipation braced frame (EDBF)
under low cyclic loads, accordingly, the constitutive relations about damage was established; the
linear hook law turned into non-linear stress-strain relations; the dissipated-energy factor c β was
determined based on following factors: the cumulate damage variable, hysteretic energy determined
by load-displacement curve, maximum deformation and yield force of EDBF; it supplied a
quantitative basis of dissipated-energy for EDBF; There were two reasons in energy dissipation for
EDBF: one was energy dissipation equipment acting, the other was concrete damaged and cracked or
low cycle fatigue failure in this structure, and the latter part of energy was associated with amounts of
cracks and crack size; then the forced mechanism of EDBF was analyzed, and the reason caused
cracks and crack type of EDBF columns, beam and braces were explained based on forced
mechanism: the columns, beam and braces of EDBF were compressed or tensed under low cyclic
loads, so most of cracks of columns, beam and braces belonged to mode I cracksThis study supplied
a method for estimating energy of EDBF under earthquake ground motion, and the results showed:
columns in EDBF are easily damaged under earthquake ground motion, so the structural elements
must be designed strong column, weak beam and weak brace.