In this study, a negative stiffness brace (NSB) device composed of a series of precompressed springs, gap-spring assemblies, and links to achieve the desired negative stiffness behavior suitable for application in structural systems is investigated analytically and experimentally. The NSB achieves a high force magnification by using the geometry, harnessing the spring force at both the ends, and through the usage of multiple precompressed springs and links in series. The series arrangement significantly reduces the stiffness requirements of the precompressed springs. The NSB has a compact arrangement of components, which reduces space consumption as well as allows easy installation. In this study, the analytical model describing the behavior of the NSB is presented and the effect of various parameters on the behavior is investigated. A scaled NSB device is tested, and experimental results of the behavior of the NSB are presented and used to validate the analytical model. Further, the analytical model of a frame connected to the NSB–gap-spring assembly (GSA) system is developed and validated. The efficacy of the NSB in reducing structural response was studied numerically by considering a single-degree-of-freedom system. Negative stiffness devices and supplemental damping devices have been recently studied extensively for the protection of structural systems subjected to wind and seismic excitations because the combination can significantly reduce accelerations, interstory drifts, and base shears. NSB with supplemental dampers has significant potential for application in structural systems.
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